Tender cod fillets are quickly seared and finished with a buttery garlic and fresh lemon sauce, all in one pan. This Lemon Garlic Cod is a light, fresh dinner that comes together in under 20 minutes with minimal effort.

lemon garlic cod on white plate with lemon slices
Kelley Simmons Kelley’s Tips

Before You Get Started

  • Pat the cod dry first. Removing excess moisture helps the fish sear nicely instead of steaming.
  • Use a hot pan. Let the oil heat until shimmering so the cod develops a light golden crust.
  • Don’t move the fish too soon. Let it cook undisturbed for the first couple minutes so it releases easily from the pan.
  • Lower the heat before adding butter and garlic. This prevents the garlic from burning and keeps the butter from browning too quickly.
  • Watch the cook time. Cod cooks quickly and is done when it flakes easily with a fork, overcooking will dry it out.
Kelley

Lemon Garlic Cod Ingredients (6 Ingredients!)

  • Cod Filets – Mild, flaky, and tender. Fresh cod works best, but thawed frozen filets are fine, just pat them dry well.
  • Olive Oil – Helps create a nice sear on the fish without overpowering the flavor.
  • Garlic – Adds bold, savory flavor. Freshly minced garlic gives the best results.
  • Lemon – Brightens everything up. Use both the zest and juice for maximum citrus flavor.
  • Butter – Creates a rich, silky sauce and balances the acidity of the lemon.
  • Fresh Parsley – Adds a pop of freshness and color at the end.
ingredients for lemon code on wooden cutting board

How to Make Lemon Garlic Cod

  1. Sear: In a large nonstick pan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium high heat. Season cod filets with salt and pepper and sear for 2 minutes on the first side.
  2. Add the Garlic Butter Sauce: Carefully flip the filets and then reduce the heat to medium low. After 2 minutes add in butter, garlic, lemon zest and continue cooking for 2 more minutes, basting with the garlic and butter. 
  3. Serve: Remove from pan and top with fresh parsley and lemon juice.
searing cod in a large skillet

What to Serve With Lemon Garlic Cod

Lemon Garlic Cod FAQ

How do I know when cod is fully cooked?

Cod is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F, but flaking is usually the easiest visual cue.

How do I get a good sear on cod?

Make sure the pan is hot and the fish is patted dry before adding it. Avoid moving the filets too soon so they can develop a golden crust.

How can I reheat leftover cod without drying it out?

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a little butter or oil, or in the oven covered with foil. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the fish rubbery.

How to cook Lemon Garlic Cod in the Air Fryer?

Yes! Simply pat the cod filets dry then brush them with the olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Air Fryer for 10-12 minutes at 400 degrees. Remove then brush with the lemon garlic butter!

garlic lemon cod on white plate

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    Recipe

    Lemon Garlic Cod

    This lemon garlic cod proves you don’t need a long ingredient list or a lot of time to make fish taste amazing. A quick sear, butter, garlic, and fresh lemon come together in one pan to create a light, flavorful dinner that’s ready in under 20 minutes.
    Author: Kelley Simmons
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Serves 4 servings
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    Ingredients 

    • 4 fresh cod filets
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 3 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 lemon, juiced and zested
    • 3 tbsp butter
    • 2 tbsp fresh parsley
    • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
    • 1/4 tsp pepper

    Instructions

    • In a large nonstick pan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium high heat. Season cod filets with salt and pepper and sear for 2 minutes on the first side.
    • Carefully flip the filets and then reduce the heat to medium low. After 2 minutes add in butter, garlic, lemon zest and continue cooking for 2 more minutes, basting with the garlic and butter.
    • Remove from pan and top with fresh parsley and lemon juice.

    Notes

    • Pat the cod dry first. Removing excess moisture helps the fish sear nicely instead of steaming.
    • Use a hot pan. Let the oil heat until shimmering so the cod develops a light golden crust.
    • Don’t move the fish too soon. Let it cook undisturbed for the first couple minutes so it releases easily from the pan.
    • Lower the heat before adding butter and garlic. This prevents the garlic from burning and keeps the butter from browning too quickly.
    • Watch the cook time. Cod cooks quickly and is done when it flakes easily with a fork, overcooking will dry it out.

    Nutrition Information

    Serving: 1servingCalories: 242kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 21gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 71mgSodium: 422mgPotassium: 530mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 483IUVitamin C: 19mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 1mg

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