Nani's Lemon Butter Cod
A quick and flaky fish dinner finished with a bright, buttery lemon sauce and fresh dill.
recipesbynani.comThere is nothing quite like a piece of perfectly flaky cod for a fast weeknight dinner. This dish is a favorite in my kitchen because it tastes fancy but comes together in very little time. The lemon butter sauce adds just the right amount of brightness to balance the mild flavor of the fish.
My best tip for this recipe is to pat your fish fillets very dry with a paper towel before seasoning. This little step helps the cod get a nice golden color in the pan instead of steaming in its own juices.
🧺 Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
👩🍳Instructions
- 1
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- 2
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
- 3
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the cod fillets to the pan. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.
- 4
Remove the fish from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
- 5
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same pan.
- 6
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 7
Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, then pour the sauce over the cooked cod.
- 8
Garnish with fresh dill and serve immediately.
💡 Tips
This cod is best enjoyed right after cooking while the crust is still crisp. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days and reheat gently in a pan. It pairs beautifully with roasted asparagus or steamed green beans.
Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.
You might also like
Nani's Crispy Black Bean Tacos
These crispy baked tacos are packed with black beans, hidden veggies, and plenty of melty cheese.
Simple Weekly Dinner Meal Plan
This easy meal plan helps you get delicious dinners on the table without any of the usual stress.
Nani's Classic Slow Cooker Beef Chili
A hearty, simple, and comforting bowl of chili that practically makes itself in your slow cooker.
Classic Italian Wedding Soup
This comforting Italian soup features tiny pasta, tender meatballs, and fresh greens in a savory, soul warming broth.