There’s something wonderfully calming about cooking fish on a busy evening. It feels quick, clean, and a little special without demanding much from you. This garlic butter cod is one of those recipes I make when I want dinner to feel restaurant-worthy but don’t have the patience for complicated steps. It’s fast, it’s full of flavour, and once that garlic hits the pan, the whole kitchen smells incredible.
I still remember the first time I made this with fresh cod loins I found on sale. I wasn’t planning anything fancy, but the fish looked too good to pass up. By the time the butter melted and the parsley hit the pan, I knew this would be one of those recipes I’d reach for again and again.
It’s simple enough for weeknights but still feels like a treat — especially when you serve it straight from the pan while it’s still crisp and steaming.
Why This Pan-Fried Cod Always Turns Out So Good
Quick from start to finish
This is one of those recipes where the cooking time sneaks up on you. The fish browns fast, the butter sauce comes together in a minute, and before you’ve even had time to set the table, dinner is ready.
Crispy edges, tender centre
That first sear gives the cod a golden crust that locks in moisture. I’ve made cod so many different ways, and pan-frying is still the method that gives me the best texture every time.
Light, fresh flavours
The garlic butter gently coats the fish, and the lemon brightens everything without overpowering the delicate taste of the cod. It’s simple but satisfying, especially with a fresh herb sprinkled on top.
Flexible for any kitchen
Cod is the star, but this method works beautifully with haddock, pollock, or any firm white fish. It’s one of those recipes you can tuck into your back pocket and adapt however you like.
Ingredients I Use (and Why They Work)
-
Cod loins – I love using loins because they’re thick, meaty, and hold together well in the pan.
-
Unsalted butter – This gives you full control over the seasoning, especially since fish is delicate.
-
Oil with a high smoke point – Helps create that golden crust without burning.
-
Fresh garlic – The flavour you get from fresh cloves is completely worth the tiny bit of chopping.
-
Lemon juice – A final squeeze over the fish lifts the whole dish.
-
Parsley – Adds colour and freshness.
-
Salt and black pepper – Simple, clean seasoning.
How I Pan-Fry Cod for the Best Results
Let the fish warm slightly
I take the cod out of the fridge about 15 minutes before cooking. Cold fish straight into hot oil tends to shrink and release more moisture.
Pat everything dry
This step is more important than it sounds. Dry surfaces brown better, and moisture is the enemy of crisp edges.
Season simply
A sprinkle of salt and pepper is enough, because the garlic butter will bring everything together.
Heat the pan properly
I wait until the oil is shimmering — not smoking, but hot enough that the cod sizzles when it hits the pan.
Sear without moving it
The hardest part is resisting the urge to touch the fish. I let it sit untouched for a few minutes so the crust forms beautifully.
Flip gently
A fish spatula helps here. The fish is delicate, so I slide the spatula under slowly and flip in one smooth motion.
Make the garlic butter
Once the cod is cooked and resting, I melt butter in the same pan, add the garlic, and stir in parsley. That leftover fond boosts the flavour in the sauce.
Baste and finish with lemon
I return the cod to the pan and spoon the garlic butter over the top for a few seconds. The lemon gets squeezed on right before serving.
Everything feels quick and effortless, but the result tastes like you gave it more attention.
What I Like Serving with Garlic Butter Cod
Cod pairs well with so many sides, and I tend to choose based on what kind of dinner I want that night:
-
Mashed potatoes or baby potatoes for comforting, hearty meals
-
Cumin rice or garlic butter rice when I want something simple
-
Spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli for lighter plates
-
Creamy pasta or orzo when I’m feeling indulgent
-
Flaked into tacos with fresh toppings
-
Salads like cucumber salad or coleslaw for something bright and crisp
It’s a very easy fish to match with whatever you already have.
How I Store Leftovers
This dish is always best fresh, but leftovers can be managed:
-
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to two days.
-
Freezer: Freeze for up to three months.
-
Reheating: A quick warm-up in a skillet keeps the texture closest to fresh. The air fryer works well too, and the microwave is fine if you’re short on time.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod?
Yes. Just thaw it fully and pat it dry so it browns properly.
Why did my cod fall apart?
It usually means the fish wasn’t quite dry enough or you tried to flip it too soon. Let the crust form before touching it.
Do I need the lemon?
I highly recommend it — the brightness really rounds out the flavour.
Garlic Butter Cod (Pan Fried Cod)
A quick, elegant pan-fried cod dish that turns simple ingredients into a tender, flaky, restaurant-style meal.
Ingredients
- 40 g butter
- 280 g cod loins (boneless; skin-on or skinless)
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Let the cod sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes so it cooks evenly. Pat it completely dry—this helps create a crisp sear—then season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Warm a skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. When the oil shimmers, gently lay the cod in the pan, skin side down if using skin-on. Leave it undisturbed so the bottom can develop a golden crust.
- Flip the fillets carefully after a few minutes and cook just until the fish turns opaque and flakes easily. Transfer to a plate.
Lower the heat and melt the butter in the same pan. Stir in the garlic and let it bloom briefly before adding the parsley. - Return the cod to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter over the fillets so they absorb the flavor.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon and serve right away with your favorite sides.
Nutrition Information
Yield
2Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 430Total Fat 32gSaturated Fat 11gUnsaturated Fat 20gCholesterol 121mgSodium 241mgCarbohydrates 3gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 33g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thought
Pan-fried cod is one of those recipes that feels fancy but fits perfectly into everyday life. It’s light, fast, and full of flavour, and once you make it a couple of times, it becomes second nature. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a busy family, this simple garlic butter cod has a way of pulling dinner together with very little fuss. Enjoy every flaky, buttery bite.
