Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin

A Simple, Elegant Seafood Dish That’s Big on Flavor

If you're looking for a fast, healthy, and restaurant-worthy dinner, this Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin is about to become your new favorite. Ready in under 30 minutes, it combines delicate, flaky cod with rich lemon-garlic butter and that irresistible crispy skin — all with minimal ingredients and fuss.

Whether you're a seafood lover or just trying to eat lighter, this recipe hits the sweet spot between comfort and sophistication.

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🐟 Why This Cod Recipe Works

• Crispy skin perfection: Cooking the cod skin-side down delivers that beautiful golden crisp you usually only get in restaurants.

• Bright, bold flavor: Fresh lemon and garlic bring the dish to life, while butter adds richness without overwhelming the fish.

• Fast & fuss-free: Minimal prep and cook time — on the table in about 20–25 minutes.

• Healthy and satisfying: Cod is a lean, high-protein fish that pairs well with a variety of sides.

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🍋 Ingredients

• 2 skin-on cod fillets (about 5–6 oz each), patted dry

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced

• Juice of half a lemon (plus lemon wedges for serving)

• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra brightness)

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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🔪 Instructions

1. Prep the Fish

Start by patting the cod fillets very dry with paper towels — this is crucial for crispy skin. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

2. Sear the Cod

Heat olive oil in a nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering hot, gently place the cod fillets skin-side down.

Tip: Press down on the fillets with a spatula for the first 30 seconds to prevent curling.

Cook without moving them for 4–5 minutes, or until the skin is crisp and golden and the flesh is mostly opaque.

3. Flip & Finish Cooking

Carefully flip the fillets and cook for another 2–3 minutes on the other side, until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

4. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter

Reduce heat to low. Push the cod to one side of the pan, and in the empty space, add butter and garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, then squeeze in lemon juice and add zest if using.

Spoon the lemon garlic butter over the cod a few times to coat.

5. Serve

Transfer cod to plates, drizzle with any remaining lemon butter sauce from the pan, and garnish with fresh parsley and a lemon wedge.

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🍽️ What to Serve With It

This cod pairs beautifully with:

• Steamed asparagus or green beans

• Garlic mashed potatoes or herbed rice

• Quinoa, couscous, or roasted vegetables

• A simple arugula or mixed greens salad with vinaigrette

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🔄 Variations & Tips

• No skin? No problem — just skip the searing tip and cook both sides evenly. You’ll still get great flavor from the lemon garlic butter.

• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a gentle kick.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: If making more than 2 fillets, cook in batches to ensure crispy results.

• Use fresh cod if possible: Frozen works too, but be sure it’s fully thawed and well-dried before cooking.

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🧡 Final Thoughts

Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin is one of those meals that feels special without requiring a ton of time or ingredients. It’s fresh, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying — ideal for both busy weeknights and impressive date nights at home.

Whether you’re a seasoned seafood cook or just starting to experiment with fish, this cod recipe is practically foolproof and absolutely delicious.

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Ready to Dive In?

Grab your skillet and a couple of fresh fillets — dinner is about to be a crispy, buttery, lemony dream.