Description
Lemon Garlic Butter Cod is a quick and flavorful dish featuring fresh cod fillets cooked in plant-based butter, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. This recipe offers a bright, zesty, and creamy flavor combination, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The dish is light, healthy, and versatile, making it enjoyable for the whole family and easily paired with a variety of sides.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 fresh cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons plant-based butter
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (natural)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cod Fillets: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance the natural flavor of the fish.
- Sauté the Garlic in Plant-Based Butter: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the plant-based butter and melt it gently. Toss in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant and slightly golden, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the Cod: Place the cod fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if applicable. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the underside is golden brown. Flip the fillets carefully and cook for another 3 minutes, spooning the garlic butter over the fish as it cooks.
- Add Lemon Juice and Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce (natural): Pour the freshly squeezed lemon juice and a splash of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce into the skillet. Allow the sauce to bubble for about one minute, infusing the cod with zesty and savory flavors.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the fish and spoon the sauce over once more before removing the pan from heat. The fresh herbs add brightness and complete the dish.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients like fresh lemon and garlic for vibrant flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook fillets in batches if necessary for even cooking and a good sear.
- Pat the fish dry to achieve a crispy texture and good caramelization.
- Cook on low to medium heat to avoid burning the garlic while fully cooking the cod.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and tenderness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (6 ounces)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: lemon cod recipe, plant-based butter cod, garlic butter fish, quick cod dinner, healthy seafood recipe