Quick and Easy Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod Recipe for a Perfect Weeknight Dinner

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When you’re looking for a light, flavorful dish that’s quick to prepare but tastes like it took hours, this Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod is the answer. It’s the perfect go-to recipe for busy weeknights when time is short but you still want a home-cooked meal that's healthy and delicious. With its tender, flaky cod fillets and a tangy lemon butter sauce, this dish is simple yet elegant enough for any occasion.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The cod is seasoned just right, then sautéed to form a golden-brown crust while remaining juicy and tender inside. But the true star is the sauce—a rich blend of melted butter, garlic, and fresh lemon juice that coats the fish in bright, tangy goodness. With a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and a pop of flavor, this dish is sure to become a household favorite.

Cooking cod may seem intimidating, but this recipe makes it easy. In just 20 minutes, you can have a restaurant-worthy meal on the table, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself. The key to nailing this recipe is using fresh ingredients, from the garlic to the lemon zest, that elevate the flavors without any extra effort. And the best part? This dish pairs perfectly with almost any side, whether you’re craving steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a light salad.

Recipe: Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod

Ingredients:

• 4 cod fillets (6-ounce each)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Extra lemon slices for serving

Instructions:

Prepare the Cod: Start by patting the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This ensures a crispy golden crust when searing. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Sear the Cod: Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully place the cod fillets in the skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes on one side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Add Butter and Garlic: Gently flip the fillets to cook the other side. Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet. As the butter melts, baste the cod with the garlic-infused butter, spooning it over the fish to ensure the flavors soak in.

Finish Cooking: Continue cooking the cod for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Add Lemon and Parsley: Pour the fresh lemon juice over the fillets and sprinkle lemon zest into the pan for added brightness. Baste the cod one last time with the lemon butter sauce, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Serve: Transfer the cod to a serving plate, drizzle with any remaining sauce from the skillet, and serve with extra lemon slices for a final citrusy kick.

This Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod is as versatile as it is flavorful. Whether paired with simple sides like steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad, it’s a light and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. The tender cod and the zesty lemon butter sauce create a balance of rich and fresh flavors that will leave you coming back for more.

Here are some useful sources for cod recipes and techniques:

1. Serious Eats provides excellent tips on how to perfectly pan-sear cod for a crispy finish, ensuring that the fish is cooked evenly and remains tender. You can find more details on achieving that crispy texture here: (Serious Eats).
2. For variations in cooking cod, like baked Sicilian-style cod, which includes a savory breadcrumb topping with anchovies and olives, check out this detailed recipe: (Serious Eats)​(Serious Eats).

These sources provide detailed recipes and cooking techniques, perfect for making your cod dish restaurant-quality!