15-Minute Garlic Butter Cod Fillet

This 15-Minute Garlic Butter Cod Fillet is flaky, buttery, and bursting with fresh garlic and lemon flavor. It’s an easy seafood dinner that’s ready in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights while still feeling restaurant-worthy.

15-Minute Garlic Butter Cod Fillet

Make this 15-Minute Garlic Butter Cod Fillet with buttery garlic sauce and fresh lemon for a quick, healthy seafood dinner the whole family will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Calories: 295

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 cod fillets about 6 oz each
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges for serving

Method

 

1. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the cod fillets and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side until lightly golden.
4. Carefully flip the fillets and cook for another 3 minutes.
5. Reduce the heat to medium.
6. Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir until the butter melts and the garlic becomes fragrant, about 1 minute.
7. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest.
8. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the cod continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
9. Transfer the cod to serving plates.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

• Pat the fish dry to help it brown nicely.
• Avoid overcooking, as cod becomes dry quickly.
• Fresh garlic gives the best flavor.
• Use unsalted butter to better control the seasoning.
• The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.

Variations

• Add red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
• Use halibut, haddock, or tilapia instead of cod.
• Finish with grated Parmesan cheese.
• Add fresh thyme or dill to the butter sauce.
• Stir in a splash of white wine before adding the lemon juice.

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Steamed rice
• Roasted asparagus
• Green beans
• Caesar salad

Tips

• Use fresh cod whenever possible.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet.
• Spoon the butter sauce over the fish for extra flavor.
• Serve immediately while the fish is hot and flaky.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Prep Time, Cook Time, and Total Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings

Serves: 4

Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 295
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fat: 16g
• Sodium: 510mg

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod?

• Yes. Thaw the cod completely and pat it dry before cooking to remove excess moisture.

How do I know when cod is cooked?

• The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. An internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) is ideal.

Can I bake this instead?

• Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, then drizzle with the garlic butter sauce before serving.

What can I substitute for cod?

• Haddock, halibut, tilapia, pollock, or mahi-mahi all work well in this recipe.

Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?

• Yes. Prepare the garlic butter in advance and gently reheat it before spooning it over freshly cooked fish.

What sides go best with garlic butter cod?

• Rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, asparagus, green beans, or a crisp salad all pair beautifully.

Conclusion

This 15-Minute Garlic Butter Cod Fillet is a quick, flavorful seafood dinner that’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining. Tender cod, rich garlic butter, and fresh lemon create a meal that’s ready in just 15 minutes.