Description

Lemon Garlic Butter Cod is a fresh and flavorful dish featuring tender, flaky cod fillets cooked with aromatic garlic, zesty lemon, and rich plant-based butter infused with vibrant herbs. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, delivering a healthy, light, and impressive meal in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

4 fresh cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
3 tablespoons plant-based butter
3 fresh garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Set aside while preparing the sauce.
Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small pan, melt the plant-based butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), finely chopped parsley, and thyme. Let the sauce simmer gently while cooking the cod.
Cook the Cod: Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the cod fillets carefully skin-side down if they have skin. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the edges become opaque and the bottom is golden. Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, spooning the lemon garlic butter sauce over the fish to infuse flavor.
Finish and Serve: Once the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, remove from heat. Drizzle any remaining lemon garlic butter sauce over the fillets. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and a lemon wedge for added freshness and color.

Notes

Choose fresh cod for the best texture and flavor.
Do not overcrowd the pan; cook fillets in batches if necessary for a golden crust.
Sauté garlic gently to avoid bitterness.
Use fresh herbs to elevate the flavor.
Let the cooked fish rest for a couple of minutes to redistribute juices.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 fillet (approximately 6 ounces)
Calories: 250
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: lemon garlic cod, plant-based butter cod, quick fish recipe, healthy cod dish, gluten free cod, easy cod dinner, cod with herbs, lemon cod fillets