Lemon Butter Cod

Experience the delightful flavors of restaurant-quality dining right in your own kitchen with this easy Lemon Butter Cod recipe. With simple steps and common ingredients, you'll savor the perfect blend of pan-seared cod fillets and creamy homemade lemon butter sauce.

This recipe is a breeze with just two straightforward steps: first, preparing the luscious lemon butter sauce , and second, pan-searing the cod to golden perfection. The delicious results will leave you craving more, and you'll even have extra sauce to elevate other dishes like seafood, chicken, or roasted vegetables such as asparagus.

I'll guide you through the ingredients, provide step-by-step instructions, and share some helpful tips to ensure your cooking experience is a success.

This lemon butter cod complements roasted asparagus, sautéed Brussels sprouts and carrots, coconut rice, and roasted baby potatoes wonderfully. Let's dive in!

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• How to Make Lemon Butter Cod
• Variations and Substitutions:
• Tips:
• Storage:
• Reheating:
• Top Tip
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

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Ingredients

Below, you'll discover the essential ingredients that will enhance our Lemon Butter Cod recipe. Each ingredient brings its own unique flavor and character, adding to the delightful taste of the dish.

For the Cod:

1. Onion Powder: Adds savory flavor.
2. Garlic Powder: Gives a rich garlic taste.
3. Ground Cayenne Pepper: Adds a bit of heat.
4. Paprika: Adds flavor and color.
5. Thyme: Adds fresh herbal aroma.
6. Kosher Salt: Enhances flavor evenly.
7. Black Pepper: Adds warmth and flavor.

For the Lemon Butter Sauce:

1. Dry White Wine: Adds fruity acidity.
2. Garlic: Provides savory flavor.
3. Shallots: Adds mild onion sweetness.
4. Lemon Juice: Gives tangy freshness.
5. White Pepper: Adds mild heat.
6. Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess.
7. Butter: Gives richness.
8. Salt: Enhances overall flavor.

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How to Make Lemon Butter Cod

Here's how to make the Lemon Butter Cod recipe:

Step 1. Start by Making the Sauce.

• In a saucepan over high heat, combine lemon juice, white wine, garlic, and shallot. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it cook until it reduces by half and thickens.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Season with salt and white pepper, then let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Lower the heat to low and gradually add the butter, a little at a time, while whisking continuously. Continue whisking until all the butter is melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 2. Pan-Sear the Cod.

• Combine flour, onion, garlic, thyme, cayenne pepper, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Use the seasoned flour to coat the fish, shaking off any excess.
• Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cod fillets and cook until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
• Once done, serve the pan-seared cod alongside the lemon butter sauce, and enjoy your delicious homemade meal!

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Variations and Substitutions:

If you're looking to switch things up or adapt based on what you have on hand, here are some easy swaps you can make:

• Herb Swap: If you don't have thyme, you can try using other herbs like oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning for a different flavor twist.
• Lemon Alternatives: If you're out of fresh lemons, you can substitute with bottled lemon juice, but be sure to adjust the quantity to taste.
• Spice Adjustment: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the level of heat in the dish. You can also omit it entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for coating the fish.

Feel free to experiment and tailor the recipe to your taste preferences and dietary needs!

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Tips:

1. Freshness Matters: Opt for fresh ingredients whenever possible, especially when it comes to the herbs, fish, and lemon juice. They'll impart the best flavor to your dish.
2. Patience with the Sauce: Take your time when making the lemon butter sauce. Slowly adding the butter while whisking continuously ensures a smooth and creamy consistency.
3. Control the Heat: Adjust the temperature of your pan when pan-searing the cod. Too high heat can cause the outside to burn before the inside cooks through, so moderate heat is key for perfectly cooked fish.
4. Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the cod fillets in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures even cooking and a beautiful golden sear on each fillet.
5. Test for Doneness: To check if the cod is cooked through, gently insert a fork into the thickest part of the fillet. It should easily flake apart and be opaque all the way through when done.
6. Serve Immediately: For the best flavor and texture, serve the Lemon Butter Cod immediately after cooking. The fish is at its peak when it's hot and fresh out of the pan.
7. Garnish for Presentation: Sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs over the finished dish for a pop of color and added flavor before serving.

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Storage:

Knowing how to store leftover cod properly is key to preserving its freshness and flavor for later enjoyment. Whether you have a surplus from last night's dinner or you intentionally cooked extra for future meals, proper storage ensures that your cod remains delicious and safe to eat.

Here's a simple guide to help you store leftover cod to maintain its quality whether you plan to enjoy it within a few days or want to freeze it for longer-term storage.

1. Cool Down: Let the cooked cod cool to room temperature.
2. Separate: Store the leftover cod and lemon butter separately.
3. Containers: Put the cod in an airtight container and the lemon butter in another. Use clean containers.
4. Refrigerate or Freeze: Place both containers in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

 For additional food safety guidance, please visit this website.

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Reheating:

Sure! Here's a guide on how to reheat leftover cod:

1. Thaw (if frozen): If your leftover cod is frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This helps it reheat more evenly.
2. Choose Method: Decide whether you want to reheat the cod in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave. Each method works well, but the oven generally provides the best results for maintaining texture and flavor.
3. Oven Method: Preheat your oven to around 300°F (150°C). Place the cod in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil to prevent drying out. Reheat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
4. Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of oil or butter to prevent sticking. Place the cod in the skillet and cover with a lid or foil. Heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through.
5. Microwave Method: Place the cod on a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking periodically until heated to your desired temperature.
6. Check Temperature: Regardless of the method used, ensure the cod reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) before serving. This ensures it's safe to eat.
7. Serve: Once heated through, serve the cod immediately with your favorite sides and enjoy!

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Check Out More Easy Fish Recipes:

1. Pan-Seared Branzino Fish Fillets
2. Sweet and Sour Fish
3. Pan-Seared Tilapia with Lemon Butter Sauce
4. Salmon with Cream Sauce
5. Pan-Fried Trout

I hope you'll enjoy this recipe and share it with friends! If you try it and don’t mind, please leave me a comment and/or give this recipe a rating. Be sure to subscribe to receive weekly recipes and follow me on Pinterest.

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