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Buttered Cod in Skillet Recipe

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3.8 from 80 reviews

  • Author: Chef
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Tender flaky cod cooked in a skillet with golden butter, garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs. A quick, light, and flavorful seafood dinner ready in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Cod and Seasoning

  • 4 cod fillets, about 150–180 g each
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cooking Fats and Flavorings

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Citrus and Herbs

  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a nice, golden crust while cooking.
  2. Season the Fillets: Evenly season both sides of the cod fillets with paprika, salt, and black pepper to enhance the flavor and add a mild spice.
  3. Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Allow it to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  4. Cook the First Side: Carefully add the cod fillets to the hot skillet and cook without moving them for 3–4 minutes, allowing a crust to form.
  5. Flip the Fillets: Gently turn the cod fillets over using a spatula to avoid breaking them apart.
  6. Add Butter and Garlic: Add the unsalted butter and minced garlic to the skillet. The butter will melt and mix with the garlic, infusing flavor into the fish as it cooks.
  7. Cook the Second Side: Continue cooking the fillets for another 3–4 minutes, spooning the melted garlic butter over the fish frequently to keep it moist and flavorful.
  8. Add Lemon: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest into the skillet to brighten the flavors and add a fresh citrus note.
  9. Check Doneness: Cook until the cod flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of about 63°C (145°F), ensuring it is perfectly cooked but still moist.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the cooked cod. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for added tang.

Notes

  • Avoid moving the cod too much while it cooks so it develops a nice golden crust.
  • If the fillets are very thick, reduce the heat and cover the skillet briefly to ensure even cooking.
  • Serve with roasted vegetables, potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
  • Haddock, pollock, or halibut can be used as substitutes for cod in this recipe.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course, Dinner, Seafood
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-inspired

Find it online: https://kitchenmartha.com/buttered-cod-in-skillet-recipe/