Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin Recipe
This Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin is a quick and flavorful seafood dish featuring tender, flaky cod fillets pan-seared to perfection with a golden, crispy skin. Infused with garlic, fresh lemon juice, and buttery richness, this recipe is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner that takes just 20 minutes to prepare and cook.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
Sauce and Seasoning
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish: Pat the cod fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up nicely during cooking. Season both sides evenly with salt and pepper.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter together with the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook Cod Fillets, Skin-side Down: Place the seasoned cod fillets into the skillet with the skin-side down. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until the skin turns golden brown and achieves a crispy texture.
- Flip and Add Lemon Juice: Gently flip the fillets over and pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the fillets with freshly chopped parsley and lemon zest for added freshness and aroma. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy skin and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Ensure the cod fillets are patted completely dry to achieve crispy skin.
- Use a non-stick or well-seasoned skillet to prevent sticking while cooking.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference, but do not over-salt as the butter and lemon provide enough flavor.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes to the garlic sauté step.
Keywords: Lemon garlic cod, crispy skin cod, pan-seared cod, quick seafood dinner, healthy fish recipe