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Lemon Garlic Butter Cod

Lemon Garlic Butter Cod

  • Author: Eric
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Lemon Garlic Butter Cod is a quick and flavorful seafood dish combining tender cod fillets with fresh lemon, garlic, and creamy plant-based butter (natural). This simple, healthy entree is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a balance of bright, zesty flavors and rich textures in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood

  • 4 fresh cod fillets (about 6 oz each)

Butter Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons plant-based butter (natural)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 fresh garlic cloves, minced
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Seasonings

  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the cod and ingredients: Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel to ensure a nice sear later. Mince the garlic cloves finely, zest and juice the lemon, and chop the fresh parsley. Having everything ready will speed up the cooking process and keep flavors vibrant.
  2. Cook the garlic and plant-based butter (natural): In a skillet over medium heat, melt the plant-based butter (natural) together with a splash of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant and golden, about 1 to 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic to keep it sweet and mild.
  3. Sear the cod fillets: Place the cod fillets skin-side down if your fillets have skin. Cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes or until the fish turns opaque and easily flakes with a fork. The edges should look crisp and golden, locking in moisture and flavor.
  4. Add lemon, parsley, and seasonings: Pour the fresh lemon juice and sprinkle the zest over the cooked fillets. Drizzle in the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) and apple cider vinegar, then sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Let everything simmer for a minute so the flavors deepen and meld together.
  5. Serve immediately: Use a spatula to transfer the cod to plates, spooning additional garlicky lemon butter sauce from the pan over the top. This sauce is where all the deliciousness gathers.

Notes

  • Let the cod fillets sit out for 15 minutes before cooking for even heat distribution.
  • Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan which can cause steaming instead of searing.
  • Always zest the lemon before juicing for the best flavor and aroma.
  • Use medium heat to avoid burning the plant-based butter (natural) and garlic.
  • Cod cooks quickly; remove as soon as it becomes opaque to avoid drying it out.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 fillet
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

Keywords: lemon garlic butter cod, plant-based butter cod, quick seafood dinner, healthy cod recipe, dairy-free fish dish

Find it online: https://smartmealsguide.com/lemon-garlic-butter-cod/