Classic Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin
This recipe features pan-seared cod fillets with a golden, crispy skin, bathed in a rich and bright lemon-garlic butter sauce. It's a quick and flavorful seafood dish perfect for a weeknight meal.
Equipment
- Oven-safe skillet
- Paper towels
- Spatula
- Spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 skin-on cod fillets about 6 oz/170g each
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lemon juiced and zested
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Thoroughly pat the cod fillets dry, especially the skin side, then season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Place a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add one tablespoon of olive oil.
- Carefully place the cod fillets skin-side down in the hot pan, pressing gently for the first minute to ensure even contact, and cook for 4-6 minutes until the skin is golden-brown and crispy.
- Flip the fish to the flesh side, then immediately add the unsalted butter and minced garlic to the pan.
- Tilt the pan and use a spoon to baste the melting butter and garlic over the fish, continuing to cook for another 1-3 minutes until the fish is flaky and cooked through.
- Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest, then spoon the pan sauce over the cod, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure the cod fillets are very dry before searing to achieve crispy skin.