Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin
⏱ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
🍽 Serves: 2–3
🐟 Ingredients
-
2–3 cod fillets (skin-on, about 170 g / 6 oz each)
-
Salt & freshly ground black pepper
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
2 tbsp unsalted butter
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
Zest of 1 lemon
-
Juice of ½ lemon
-
1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
-
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Cod
Pat the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels (this is key for crispy skin).
Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
2. Crisp the Skin
Heat olive oil in a non-stick or stainless-steel skillet over medium-high heat.
Place the cod skin-side down in the hot pan.
Press gently with a spatula for the first 20–30 seconds to prevent curling.
Cook for 4–5 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp.
3. Flip & Butter Baste
Reduce heat to medium. Flip the cod carefully.
Add butter and garlic to the pan.
Once butter melts, tilt the pan slightly and spoon the garlic butter over the fish for 1–2 minutes.
4. Finish with Lemon
Add lemon zest and lemon juice to the pan.
Sprinkle with parsley and red pepper flakes (if using).
Cook just until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
-
Garlic sautéed spinach
-
Roasted baby potatoes
-
Steamed asparagus
-
Lemon rice or quinoa
Finish with extra lemon wedges on the side.
🌟 Pro Tips
-
Do not move the fish while crisping the skin. Let it release naturally.
-
Cod is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily (internal temp ~63°C / 145°F).
-
If fillets are thick, finish in a 180°C / 350°F oven for 3–4 minutes.
💛 Why This Recipe Works
✔ Ultra-crispy skin
✔ Tender, flaky fish
✔ Bright lemon-garlic butter flavor
✔ Ready in under 15 minutes
