🐟 Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin
Serves: 2–4 | Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 10–12 mins
🛒 Ingredients:
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2–4 skin-on cod fillets (5–6 oz each, about 1″ thick)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper
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2 tbsp olive oil (for crisping skin)
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3 tbsp unsalted butter
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3–4 garlic cloves, minced
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Juice of ½ lemon (plus more to serve)
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Zest of 1 lemon
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1–2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
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Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or paprika
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Prep the Fish
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Pat cod fillets very dry with paper towels — moisture is the enemy of crisp skin.
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Season both sides with salt and pepper.
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Optional: lightly score the skin (shallow diagonal cuts) to prevent curling.
2. Sear Skin Side Down
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil.
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When hot, place cod skin-side down. Press gently with a spatula for 30 seconds to prevent curling.
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Cook without moving for 4–5 minutes, or until skin is golden and crisp.
3. Flip and Finish Cooking
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Flip cod and cook 2–3 minutes more, until opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
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Transfer cod to a plate and loosely cover to keep warm.
4. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
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In the same pan, reduce heat to medium-low.
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Add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t brown the garlic).
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Stir in lemon juice, zest, red pepper flakes (if using), and parsley.
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Let it bubble gently for 30–60 seconds, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
5. Serve
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Spoon the lemon garlic butter sauce over the crispy cod fillets.
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Serve with lemon wedges, and enjoy!
🍽️ Great with:
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Garlic mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes
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Steamed green beans, asparagus, or sautéed spinach
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Buttered rice or a light lemon-herb couscous
Would you like a sheet pan version, or a low-carb/keto side pairing suggestion too?
