Description
Lemon Garlic Butter Cod is a quick and easy recipe that combines the bright zest of lemon, creamy plant-based butter, and fresh garlic to create a fresh, vibrant, and flavorful dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this light and healthy cod recipe is enhanced by aromatic herbs and a subtle umami depth from vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Serve it with your favorite sides for a simple yet elegant meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Marinade
- Fresh Cod Fillets (4 fillets, about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest, freshly grated
- 3 cloves Fresh Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 3 tablespoons Plant-Based Butter (plant-based), cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Cod and Marinade: Rinse the cod fillets and gently pat them dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix the lemon juice, minced garlic, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, and pepper. Pour the marinade over the cod and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Sear the Cod: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. When the oil is shimmering, carefully place the cod fillets skin-side down if they have skin. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the edges turn opaque and a golden crust forms on the bottom.
- Add Plant-Based Butter and Herbs: Gently flip the cod fillets and add chunks of plant-based butter (plant-based) and freshly chopped parsley to the pan. Spoon the melted butter and garlic mixture over the fillets as they cook for another 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Finish with Lemon Zest and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle freshly grated lemon zest over the cod. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors at their best.
Notes
- Choose the freshest cod possible for the best texture and flavor.
- Do not overcook the cod; it cooks quickly and should remain moist and flaky.
- Use freshly minced garlic for brighter, sharper flavor.
- Keep plant-based butter cold and add in chunks to control melting and distribute flavor evenly.
- Allow the cooked fish to rest for a minute off the heat before serving for optimal juiciness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: lemon garlic cod, plant-based butter cod, quick seafood recipe, gluten free cod, easy cod recipe, healthy cod dinner