If you are craving a dish that is delightfully simple yet bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors, then our Broiled Cod with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe is your go-to solution. This recipe transforms tender, flaky cod fillets with a luscious lemon butter garlic sauce that’s irresistibly silky and aromatic. The quick broiling method locks in the cod’s moisture while the zesty, buttery sauce adds a bright and savory punch, making it feel like a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy enough for any weeknight. Trust me, once you try this dish, it will have a permanent spot in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Broiled Cod with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each element plays an essential role in creating a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color on your plate.
- 1 pound cod fillets (4 fillets): Choose fresh, firm cod for the best flaky texture and mild taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances and brightens the natural flavor of the cod.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper: Adds a subtle hint of spice without overpowering the dish.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates the rich, creamy base of the sauce that perfectly complements the fish.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Imparts a fragrant and savory depth to the lemon butter sauce.
- 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice: Brings a refreshing and zesty brightness that cuts through the richness.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Concentrates lemon flavor, enhancing the overall citrus experience.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (minced): Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of green color for visual appeal.
How to Make Broiled Cod with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Broiler
Before you dive into preparing your cod, set your oven’s broiler to high and allow it to preheat. This ensures that when the fish hits the heat, it sears quickly and cooks evenly under intense direct heat.
Step 2: Season the Cod Fillets
Pat the cod fillets dry carefully with a paper towel, which helps the seasoning stick and promotes better browning. Sprinkle both sides evenly with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the fish without overwhelming it.
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce
In a cast iron or oven-safe skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. As soon as the butter is melted and shimmering, add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, to release the garlic’s aromatic oils without letting it burn, then stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest.
Step 4: Cook the Cod on the Stove
Place the seasoned cod fillets into the skillet with the lemon butter garlic sauce, cooking them for about 1 minute on the stovetop. This initial sear helps develop a lovely crust and locks in the juiciness before moving to the broiler.
Step 5: Broil the Cod
Carefully flip the cod fillets over, then transfer the skillet directly to the oven’s top rack, positioning it 4-6 inches from the broiler. Broil for 6-9 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, aiming for an internal temperature between 130°F and 140°F for perfect doneness.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once your cod is beautifully broiled and bubbling with sauce, sprinkle the minced parsley over the top to add color and fresh flavor. Add extra lemon slices on the side if you want an additional citrus zing at the table. Serve immediately while hot and luscious.
How to Serve Broiled Cod with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is the ideal garnish here, offering a lovely herbal aroma and bright green contrast. A few thin lemon slices or wedges on the side also invite guests to add a little extra zing that highlights the sauce’s citrus character.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides that don’t compete with its delicate flavors. Think steamed asparagus, garlic roasted potatoes, or even a crisp mixed green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette. These choices complement without overwhelming the delicious Broiled Cod with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the cod over a bed of herbed quinoa or creamy risotto to soak up every drop of that luscious lemon butter garlic sauce. Alternatively, plating with roasted colorful veggies like cherry tomatoes and zucchini adds eye-catching visual appeal as well as a burst of earthy sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover broiled cod, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator right after it cools completely. Properly stored, it will stay fresh for up to 2 days without losing its tender texture or flavor profile.
Freezing
While the fish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked cod if necessary. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen broiled cod can be kept up to 2 months; just be aware that the texture might soften slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat your Broiled Cod with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe without drying it out, gently warm it in a low oven (around 275°F) covered with foil until heated through. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the delicate flakiness and buttery sauce integrity.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cod is ideal for its flaky texture and mild flavor, you can substitute with haddock, halibut, or even sea bass for a similar result with just slight variations in cooking time.
Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?
Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt levels of the dish more precisely. Salted butter works too, but adjust seasoning accordingly so the cod isn’t over-salted.
How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?
The cod should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. For precision, aim for an internal temperature around 130-140°F using a food thermometer, which ensures tender, perfectly cooked fish.
Can I prepare the lemon butter garlic sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the lemon butter sauce a short time ahead but it’s best served fresh and warm to capture the fragrant garlic and citrus notes at their peak.
What if I don’t have a cast iron or oven-safe skillet?
No worries! You can sear the cod in a regular pan, then transfer the fillets to a broiler-safe baking dish before finishing under the broiler. Just be mindful of timing since heat conduction will differ.
Final Thoughts
You absolutely must try this Broiled Cod with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe if you want a dish that’s elegant, flavorful, and wonderfully simple to prepare. The perfect harmony of tender fish and bright, buttery sauce is sure to become a family favorite and impress any guest. Give it a go and watch how quickly it disappears from the plate!
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Broiled Cod with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Broiled Cod with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce recipe offers a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy tender and flaky cod fillets. The cod is seasoned, seared in a buttery garlic sauce, and then broiled to perfection, resulting in a bright and savory dish accented by fresh lemon and parsley. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick and elegant weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Cod and Seasoning
- 1 pound cod fillets (4 fillets)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler: Turn on the oven broiler and adjust the oven rack so it’s about 4-6 inches from the heat source. This prepares your oven for broiling the cod to a perfect finish.
- Season the cod fillets: Pat the cod fillets dry thoroughly with a paper towel to ensure a good sear. Season both sides evenly with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor of the fish.
- Prepare the lemon butter garlic sauce: In a cast iron or oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest to infuse the butter with bright citrus notes.
- Cook the cod briefly on the stovetop: Place the seasoned cod fillets into the skillet and cook for 1 minute on one side, which helps to slightly sear the fish. Carefully flip the fillets over to prepare for broiling.
- Broil the cod: Transfer the skillet immediately to the preheated oven under the broiler. Broil the cod for 6 to 9 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches between 130-140°F, indicating the cod is perfectly cooked and flaky.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle the cod with the fresh minced parsley and add additional lemon slices if desired. Serve the cod hot with the flavorful lemon butter garlic sauce spooned over the top.
Notes
- Make sure to pat the cod dry to ensure the seasoning sticks and the fish sears properly.
- Keep a close eye during broiling to prevent the garlic in the butter from burning.
- The internal temperature of 130-140°F ensures the fish remains moist and flaky without overcooking.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
- Broiling times may vary depending on your oven; adjust accordingly.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
