Name: Broiled Cod with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Cod Fillets: 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each) Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; zest and juice of 1 lemon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; lemon wedges for serving

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If you’re searching for a nearly effortless yet absolutely restaurant-worthy seafood dish to wow your family or friends, this Broiled Cod with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe is about to become your go-to. Imagine tender, flaky cod fillets bathed in a buttery, garlicky lemon sauce—so simple, yet packed with bright, fresh flavors and utterly irresistible aromas. It transforms everyday ingredients into a dazzling meal in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends alike. Whether you’re a seasoned seafood lover or new to cooking fish at home, this dish offers foolproof results and pure, zesty comfort in every bite.

Broiled Cod with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This vibrant Broiled Cod with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe relies on simple, high-quality ingredients that come together for maximum flavor. Each element, from the fresh cod to the zesty lemon, plays a starring role in taste, texture, and color—let’s break down exactly why each one matters!

Cod fillets (4, about 6 ounces each): Choose firm, fresh cod for the ultimate flaky texture and mild flavor; you can also swap for haddock or halibut if needed.
Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, melted): Adds rich, savory depth and helps the sauce cling to the fish as it broils.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Balances the butter and prevents the cod from sticking, adding a fruity undertone.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings a warm, aromatic kick that pairs beautifully with the fish and citrus.
Lemon (zest and juice of 1): The star ingredient, fresh lemon brightens the whole dish and delivers that irresistible tang.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances flavors and ensures the cod is perfectly seasoned.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and rounds out the tasting profile.
Paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Delivers subtle smokiness and a gorgeous hint of color on the fillets.
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Lends a burst of color and an herby finish just before serving.
Lemon wedges (for serving): These are a must—each squeeze intensifies the fresh, vibrant flavor at the table.

How to Make Broiled Cod with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven’s broiler and positioning your oven rack about 6 inches below the heat source. This distance is just right for getting that golden, slightly crisp finish on top of the fish. Line a baking sheet with foil for super-easy cleanup and lightly grease the foil, which keeps the cod from sticking when it cooks.

Step 2: Get the Cod Fillets Ready

Pat your cod fillets dry with paper towels—removing moisture means a better, more even browning under the broiler. Place the fillets on your prepared baking sheet with a little space between them, so each portion can soak up the delicious sauce and cook evenly.

Step 3: Mix Up the Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir everything together until you have a beautifully fragrant, golden sauce. This mixture is the heart of the Broiled Cod with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe, ensuring every bite is infused with rich and zesty flavor.

Step 4: Dress the Fillets

Spoon the lemon butter garlic sauce generously and evenly across each cod fillet. The sauce will drizzle down and pool slightly at the bottom, which is perfect—it keeps the fish juicy and adds an extra punch to every mouthful.

Step 5: Broil to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet under the broiler and let the cod work its magic. In about 6 to 8 minutes, the fillets should flake easily with a fork and turn beautifully opaque in the center. Keep an eye on them, as broilers can vary and you want that tender, flaky finish without drying the fish out.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once your cod is perfectly broiled, remove it from the oven and sprinkle generously with the chopped fresh parsley. Serve right away, adding a wedge of lemon to each plate for a final burst of brightness that brings the whole dish to life.

How to Serve Broiled Cod with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

A little garnish does wonders for the final look and taste of this Broiled Cod with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe. Fresh chopped parsley adds both color and a hint of herbal freshness, while extra lemon wedges on the side are perfect for squeezing just before eating, enhancing those citrusy notes.

Side Dishes

This broiled cod pairs like a dream with a handful of simple sides. Steamed vegetables, such as asparagus or green beans, keep things light and healthy. For a heartier meal, try it over fluffy rice, buttery couscous, or alongside roasted fingerling potatoes to soak up all that extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party-worthy plate, spoon a little of the lemon butter garlic sauce on the plate before laying down each cod fillet, then top with parsley and scatter some thin lemon slices artistically around the edge. Or, serve the cod on a bed of sautéed spinach or garlicky greens for a vibrant, restaurant-style presentation that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Broiled Cod with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe, let it cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days—just be mindful that fish is always tastiest the day it’s cooked.

Freezing

While broiled cod can technically be frozen, the texture may change a bit after thawing. For best results, freeze in an airtight container for up to one month, and be sure the fillets are completely cool before storing. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, place the cod in a low oven (about 300°F) covered loosely with foil for 10-12 minutes or until just warmed through—avoid microwaving as it can make the fish rubbery. Add a drizzle of fresh lemon juice after reheating to revive the sauce’s signature flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod fillets for this Broiled Cod with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before proceeding, as excess moisture can affect browning and the texture of the finished dish.

Is it possible to substitute another type Main Course

Yes, mild white fish like haddock or halibut work beautifully in this Broiled Cod with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe, following the same cooking times and preparation steps.

How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?

Your best indication is when the fish flakes easily with a fork and the center is opaque. Avoid overcooking, as cod can dry out quickly under the broiler.

Can I make the lemon butter garlic sauce ahead of time?

You can mix the sauce ingredients together a few hours ahead and store in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature, then give it a quick stir before spooning over the fish.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp, refreshing white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio will complement the citrus and garlic notes in the Broiled Cod with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe beautifully.

Final Thoughts

I’m so excited for you to try this Broiled Cod with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe—every bite truly delivers a burst of freshness and comfort that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re treating yourself to a special lunch or cooking for loved ones, this dish is a surefire way to make any meal feel like a celebration. Give it a try and let the zesty, buttery flavors brighten up your day!

Broiled Cod with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Broiled Cod with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce recipe is a quick and flavorful way to prepare cod fillets. The buttery lemon garlic sauce perfectly complements the mild taste of the cod, creating a delicious and healthy seafood dish.

Ingredients

Cod Fillets:

4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)

Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; zest and juice of 1 lemon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the broiler. Line a baking sheet with foil and grease it.
Season Cod: Pat dry cod fillets and place on the baking sheet.
Make Lemon Butter Sauce: Mix melted butter, olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika in a bowl.
Broil: Spoon sauce over fillets and broil for 6–8 minutes until cooked.
Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.