Lemon Butter Cod
This quick and easy pan-seared cod recipe features flaky fish bathed in a bright lemon butter sauce. It's a perfect weeknight meal that's both flavorful and low-carb.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 22 min
- Serves
- 2
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Per serving
- 342 kcal
Allergen information: may contain fish and milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 340 gcod fillet, skin on or off
- 0.5 tspsalt
- 0.25 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tbspolive oil
- 2 tbspghee
- 2 clovegarlic, minced
- 0.5 pcslemon, juiced
garnish
- 2 tbspfresh parsley, chopped(optional)
Equipment
paper towels · spatula · large non-stick skillet
The method
Step by step
- 1
Pat the cod fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Removing excess moisture helps the fish sear better and prevents sticking.
- 2
Season both sides of the cod fillets generously with salt and black pepper.
About 1 min
- 3
Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
About 2 min
- 4
Carefully place the cod fillets skin-side down (if applicable) into the hot skillet.
- 5
Sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown, or the bottom is nicely browned.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Avoid moving the fish during this time to allow a good crust to form.
- 6
Flip the fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
About 4 min
Cook’s note: Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your fillets.
- 7
Remove the cod from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- 8
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the ghee to the same skillet.
About 1 min
- 9
Add the minced garlic to the melted ghee and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- 10
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice.
- 11
Spoon the lemon butter sauce over the cooked cod fillets.
- 12
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 341.6kcal
- Protein
- 31.3g
- Carbs
- 4.4g
- Fat
- 22.1g
- Fibre
- 1.1g
- Sugar
- 0.8g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store any leftover cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat or in a microwave until just warmed through to avoid drying out the fish.
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