15-Minute Garlic Butter Cod
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels on both sides.
- Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add cod fillets and cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until the bottom is golden and releases naturally from the pan.
- Flip carefully and cook another 2–3 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove fish to a plate. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the pan.
- Once butter melts, add minced garlic and stir for about 60 seconds until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Add lemon juice and stir to combine.
- Spoon garlic butter over the cod fillets, top with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
Pat your cod fillets completely dry before seasoning — this is the single most important step for getting a golden sear instead of a soggy, steamed result.