Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin

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If there’s one dish that truly surprised me the first time I made it, it was this Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin. It was one of those weeknight experiments that completely blew me away—golden, flaky cod with that perfect sear on the outside, bathed in a rich lemon-garlic butter sauce that practically begs to be mopped up with a slice of crusty bread. The balance of buttery richness and bright citrus is absolutely irresistible.

I love that this dish feels restaurant-quality, yet it’s incredibly simple to make. You don’t need a deep fryer, fancy equipment, or a dozen ingredients. The key is just giving the cod a good sear, being patient with the skin to crisp it up, and finishing it off with that velvety sauce. It’s cozy, light, and vibrant all at once.

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Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin

This dish is a total weeknight hero. You get juicy, tender fish with a crispy crust—without deep-frying. The lemon-garlic butter brings brightness and flavor that pairs perfectly with the delicate cod. It’s quick enough for a Tuesday dinner but elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. Plus, it’s naturally low-carb, gluten-free, and packed with protein. If you’re looking for a simple but spectacular way to enjoy fish, this is it.

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What Type of Cod Should I Use for Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin?

When it comes to choosing cod for this recipe, I always go for skin-on fillets—fresh if I can get them. The skin is what delivers that irresistible crisp texture when seared right. You want thick, firm fillets that will hold together in the pan and give you that buttery flake inside. Atlantic cod and Pacific cod both work great here. If frozen is your only option, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before you cook it.

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Options for Substitutions

If cod isn’t available, there are some great alternatives that still let this dish shine. Halibut or sea bass can step in beautifully—they’re similarly mild, meaty, and flaky. For a more budget-friendly option, tilapia works, though it’s thinner and cooks faster.

Can’t do butter? Use a good-quality olive oil or vegan butter substitute. And if garlic isn’t your thing (though it’s magical here), shallots or even a pinch of garlic powder can still give that savory base. You can also swap lemon for lime in a pinch—it’ll shift the flavor slightly, but still be bright and delicious.

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Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin

Cod Fillets (skin-on)
This is the star of the show—mild, flaky, and tender. Keeping the skin on is key for that crispy finish.

Butter
Melted butter forms the base of the sauce and helps create a rich, velvety coating for the fish.

Garlic (freshly minced)
Garlic infuses the butter with a deep, savory aroma that’s essential to the flavor of this dish.

Lemon Juice and Lemon Slices
Fresh lemon brings brightness and acidity, balancing out the richness of the butter. A few slices add a beautiful finishing touch.

Paprika
A sprinkle of paprika enhances the golden crust and gives a subtle smokiness.

Salt and Black Pepper
These basics do the heavy lifting in seasoning the fish properly. Be generous, especially with the skin.

Fresh Parsley
A little chopped parsley adds freshness, color, and just a hint of earthiness to finish it all off.

Olive Oil
Used for searing the cod to ensure the skin crisps up nicely without burning.

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Step 1: Prepare the Cod

Start by patting the cod fillets dry with paper towels—this helps the skin get crisp. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.

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Step 2: Sear the Fish Skin-Side Down

Heat a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, place the cod skin-side down. Press lightly with a spatula to keep the fillet from curling. Let it cook undisturbed for about 4–5 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.

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Step 3: Flip and Finish Cooking

Gently flip the fillets and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from the pan and set aside on a warm plate.

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Step 4: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant—don’t let it burn. Squeeze in the lemon juice and stir. You can also add a few lemon slices for flavor and presentation.

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Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Spoon the lemon garlic butter sauce over the cod, making sure to get some around the edges of the plate. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and a fresh lemon wedge on the side. Serve immediately while it’s hot and the skin is still crisp.

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How Long to Cook Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin

Cod cooks pretty quickly, which is one of the reasons I love it for weeknight meals. For a standard skin-on fillet that’s about 1 to 1.5 inches thick, searing skin-side down takes about 4–5 minutes, and flipping for the other side adds another 2–3 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque all the way through. The garlic butter sauce only takes another 1–2 minutes, so the whole thing is ready in under 15 minutes.

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Tips for Perfect Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin

• Dry the skin thoroughly before searing. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
• Let the pan heat fully before adding the fish—medium-high is the sweet spot.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet or the fish will steam instead of sear.
• Avoid flipping too soon. Let the skin naturally release from the pan.
• Use a fish spatula or thin metal spatula to flip gently without tearing the skin.
• Deglaze with lemon juice after cooking the fish to pick up all those delicious browned bits.
• Serve immediately to enjoy the full crispness of the skin.
• Add the garlic after removing the fish to keep it from burning in the hot pan.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the pat-dry step: If the skin is wet, it won’t crisp up no matter how hot your pan is. Moisture leads to soggy skin.
• Cooking on too low heat: You need a hot pan to get that sear. Medium-high heat ensures caramelization and crisp edges.
• Flipping too early: Cod is delicate—let the skin naturally release before flipping or it may tear.
• Using too much butter too soon: Butter can burn quickly. Use oil to sear, then finish with butter for flavor.
• Overcooking the cod: It cooks fast. Keep an eye on it and test with a fork to avoid a dry texture.
• Burning the garlic: Always add garlic after the fish is done, on low heat, or it’ll taste bitter.
• Crowding the pan: Give each fillet room to breathe so they sear, not steam.
• Forgetting to rest the fish: A brief rest lets juices redistribute before serving.

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What to Serve With Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin?

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy and rich, they soak up that lemon butter sauce like a dream.

2. Steamed Asparagus

Light and crisp-tender, it adds a fresh contrast to the buttery fish.

3. Rice Pilaf

A fluffy side that pairs beautifully with the lemony pan sauce.

4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Slightly caramelized and earthy, they balance the lightness of the cod.

5. Crusty Bread

Perfect for mopping up that golden garlic butter sauce—don’t skip it!

6. Quinoa Salad

Add a refreshing and slightly nutty side to round out the meal.

7. Lemon Herb Couscous

A quick, zesty side that mirrors the flavors of the fish.

8. Mixed Greens with Vinaigrette

A light, tangy salad helps brighten up the entire plate.

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Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (which doesn’t happen often in my house), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat to help maintain the crispness of the skin as much as possible. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to make the fish rubbery and the skin soft. You can also flake the cold cod into a salad or grain bowl for an easy lunch the next day.

Freezing isn’t ideal for this recipe once it’s cooked, as the texture can change significantly, especially the crispy skin. If you must freeze it, wrap it tightly and thaw in the fridge before reheating in a pan.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 1 fillet with sauce):

• Calories: ~320
• Protein: ~30g
• Fat: ~20g
• Carbohydrates: ~3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: ~1g
• Sodium: ~450mg

These values can vary depending on the exact size of your cod fillets and how much butter you use, but overall, it’s a high-protein, low-carb option that fits into many balanced meal plans.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes, absolutely! Just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin.

How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?

The flesh will turn opaque and flake easily with a fork. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) if you’re using a thermometer.

What’s the best pan to use for crispy fish skin?

A non-stick skillet or well-seasoned cast-iron pan works best. They hold heat well and help prevent sticking.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative or a mix of olive oil and lemon juice for a similar effect.

Is this dish spicy?

Not at all. Paprika adds warmth and color but no heat. If you like spice, add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.

Can I add vegetables to the skillet?

You can, but do it after the fish is removed. Sauté quick-cooking veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes in the leftover sauce.

How do I keep the skin from sticking to the pan?

Start with a dry fillet, a hot pan, and a light oil. Don’t move the fish until it releases on its own—it takes patience.

Can I meal prep this in advance?

You can prep the garlic and season the fish ahead of time, but for the best texture, cook it fresh and serve immediately.

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Conclusion

Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin is one of those recipes that feels impressive but is surprisingly easy to pull off. It’s got bold, comforting flavors, a crisp golden exterior, and a buttery citrus finish that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this dish hits all the right notes—flavorful, fast, and foolproof. Once you’ve made it, you’ll see just how satisfying simple ingredients can be when they’re cooked with care.

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