Description
This Easy Lemon Garlic Butter Cod recipe features tender, flaky cod fillets cooked in a bright, zesty lemon garlic butter sauce made with plant-based butter and fresh garlic. Ready in under 30 minutes, it is perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners. The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest with aromatic garlic and a touch of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) creates a wholesome, flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and is loved by the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Seasoning
- 4 fresh cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons plant-based butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Cod Fillets: Pat the cod fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Season both sides lightly with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Sauté Garlic and Make Butter Sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced fresh garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden, about 1 minute, taking care not to burn it. Stir in the plant-based butter and allow it to melt smoothly. Then mix in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) until combined.
- Cook the Cod: Gently place the seasoned cod fillets into the skillet. Cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes on one side to develop a nice sear. Carefully flip the fillets and cook an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Finish with Fresh Parsley: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the cooked cod for a bright, fresh finish. Spoon some of the buttery garlic lemon sauce from the pan over the top of the fillets before serving.
Notes
- Use the freshest cod available for the best texture and flavor.
- Do not overcook the fish to prevent drying out; watch closely during cooking.
- Drying the fillets thoroughly helps achieve a golden crust when searing.
- Use fresh lemon zest in addition to juice to brighten the dish fully.
- Adjust the amount of plant-based butter based on how rich you prefer the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (about 6 ounces)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: lemon garlic butter cod, quick cod recipe, plant-based butter fish, easy seafood dinner