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To make Lemon Butter Garlic Cod, you need the following ingredients: - 4 cod fillets (approximately 6 oz each) - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried parsley - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon slices (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a bright and zesty flavor. The cod is mild and flaky, which pairs well with the rich butter and tangy lemon. When choosing cod, fresh is best. Look for fillets with a clean, ocean-like smell. They should be firm to the touch and have a moist appearance. If you can, buy wild-caught cod for better taste and texture. For the garlic, use fresh cloves instead of pre-minced or jarred. Fresh garlic has a stronger flavor. Choose a lemon that feels heavy for its size, as this means it is juicy. If you can’t find cod, you can use other fish like haddock or tilapia. Both will work well with the lemon butter sauce. For a little twist, try olive oil instead of butter for a healthier option. You can also replace lemon with lime for a different taste. If you don't have dried thyme and parsley, fresh herbs are great. Just use three times the amount of fresh herbs to get the same flavor. For a full recipe, check out the detailed steps to make this dish shine! Start by rinsing your cod fillets under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps remove any extra moisture. Next, season both sides of the fillets with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning enhances the fish's natural flavor. 1. Preheat your skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt until it bubbles slightly. 2. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds. The goal is to make the garlic fragrant, not burnt. 3. Stir in the zest and juice of 1 large lemon. Then add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of dried parsley. Mix it all together and let it simmer for one more minute. 4. Now, carefully place the seasoned cod fillets in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. The fish should become opaque and flake easily with a fork. 5. In the last minute, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Let it melt and coat the fillets for extra flavor. 6. Once the cod is cooked, carefully lift it out of the skillet. Place it on a serving platter. 7. Drizzle the garlic lemon butter sauce over the cod. For the finishing touch, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve the cod fillets on a nice platter. Add fresh lemon slices on the side for color. A sprinkle of chopped parsley makes it look fresh. Drizzle some extra lemon butter sauce over the top for an appetizing finish. This will make your dish not just tasty, but also beautiful! For the full recipe, check the section above. When making Lemon Butter Garlic Cod, avoid these pitfalls for the best dish. - Overcooking the fish: Cod cooks quickly. Keep an eye on it. Cook it just until it flakes easily. - Burning the garlic: Garlic burns fast. Sauté it for only 30 seconds. Watch it closely to keep it fragrant. - Skipping seasoning: Don’t forget to season both sides of the cod. Salt and pepper enhance the flavor. You can easily boost the taste of your cod. Here are some ideas: - Add herbs: Fresh herbs like dill or basil can add a bright touch. - Citrus variations: Try using lime or orange juice instead of lemon for a twist. - Spicy kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add some heat to the dish. A few simple tools will help you create this meal: - Skillet: A non-stick skillet works best for cooking the cod. - Spatula: Use a spatula to flip the fish without breaking it. - Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the flavors balance well. For the full recipe, check out the Lemon Butter Garlic Cod section above. Enjoy your cooking experience! {{image_2}} For a fresh twist, try lemon herb butter cod. Use the same base recipe. Just mix in fresh herbs like basil or dill. The herbs add a bright flavor that pairs well with the lemon and garlic. You can even add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick. If you prefer baking, this method works great. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Prepare the cod fillets as in the full recipe. Place them in a greased baking dish. Pour the lemon butter garlic sauce over the top. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. The cod will be flaky and delicious. You can make this dish a full meal by adding vegetables. As the cod cooks, toss in some asparagus, green beans, or cherry tomatoes. The veggies soak up the lemon butter flavor. They add color and nutrition to your plate. This option makes dinner easy and healthy. To store your leftover Lemon Butter Garlic Cod, let it cool first. Place the cooled cod in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure the container is sealed well to keep the fish fresh. If you want to store it longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cod tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheating cod can be tricky. You want to avoid drying it out. The best way to reheat it is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cod on a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until it’s warm. You can also reheat it in a skillet over low heat with a bit of butter. This keeps it moist and tasty. For more details, check the Full Recipe. Yes, you can use frozen cod. Just make sure to thaw it first. Place the frozen cod in the fridge overnight or use cold water for a quick thaw. Once thawed, pat the cod dry with paper towels. This helps the fish absorb the flavors better in the recipe. Lemon Butter Garlic Cod pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Steamed broccoli - Garlic mashed potatoes - Rice pilaf - Roasted asparagus - A fresh garden salad These sides add color and flavor to your meal. They also balance the richness of the cod. You can tell cod is cooked when it turns opaque. Use a fork to check if it flakes easily. The internal temperature should reach 145°F. If you have a food thermometer, this is a great tool to ensure it's done. Cooking cod just right gives you a tender, moist fish. For a delicious experience, try the Full Recipe. This blog post covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and storage tips for cod. We explored ways to enhance flavor and shared common mistakes to avoid. You can also try fun variations to make each meal unique. Remember to store leftovers properly and know how to reheat them. With these tips, cooking cod can be simple and delicious. Enjoy your cooking journey, and keep experimenting!

Lemon Butter Garlic Cod

Discover the deliciousness of Lemon Butter Garlic Cod in just 20 minutes! This simple recipe features flaky cod fillets cooked to perfection in a buttery garlic lemon sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. With fresh herbs and hints of citrus, it's a dish everyone will love. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Click through for the full recipe and impress your family and friends with this easy and flavorful meal!
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Ingredients
  

4 cod fillets (approximately 6 oz each)

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried parsley

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Lemon slices (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter.

    Once the butter has melted and is bubbling slightly, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

      Add the lemon zest and juice to the skillet, followed by the dried thyme and parsley. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another minute.

        Season the cod fillets on both sides with salt and pepper. Place the cod fillets in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

          In the last minute of cooking, add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pan, allowing it to melt and coat the fillets.

            Once cooked, carefully remove the cod from the skillet and place it on a serving platter.

              Drizzle the garlic lemon butter from the skillet over the cod, and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the cod fillets on a platter with fresh lemon slices and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Drizzle extra lemon butter sauce over the top for an appealing finish.