Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin!

Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin—a light, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor!

Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2-4

Ingredients:

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on

• 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)

• 2 tbsp butter

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 lemon, zest and juice

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for extra color and flavor)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cod:

• Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. This is key to getting crispy skin, so make sure the fillets are as dry as possible.

• Season both sides of the fillets with salt, pepper, and paprika (optional). Make sure the skin side is well-seasoned.

2. Sear the Cod:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Once the pan is hot, carefully place the cod fillets in the pan, skin-side down. Press them gently with a spatula to ensure the skin makes good contact with the pan.

• Cook for 4-5 minutes, without moving the fish, until the skin is golden brown and crispy. You should see the fish start to cook through at the edges.

• Flip the fillets carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

3. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:

• While the fish is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.

• Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).

• Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 1 minute, then remove from heat.

4. Serve:

• Once the cod is cooked, remove the fillets from the pan and place them on a serving plate.

• Drizzle the lemon garlic butter sauce over the cod fillets.

• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for extra zing.

Q/A:

• Q: Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
  A: Yes, you can substitute cod with other white fish like halibut, haddock, or tilapia. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the fish.

• Q: How do I get the skin really crispy?
  A: The key to crispy skin is making sure the fish is dry before cooking, cooking it on medium-high heat, and not moving the fish while it’s cooking. Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes to allow the skin to crisp up perfectly.

• Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
  A: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make the lemon garlic butter sauce ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

• Q: What sides would go well with this dish?
  A: This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, a fresh salad, or even a light quinoa dish.

Serving Suggestions:

• With roasted vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for a complete and healthy meal.

• With rice or couscous: The lemon garlic butter sauce pairs wonderfully with a side of jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or couscous.

• In a wrap: For a lighter meal, you could serve the cod in a lettuce wrap with a drizzle of the lemon garlic butter.

Enjoy your Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin!