Description
This Lemon Garlic Butter Cod recipe features tender, flaky cod fillets cooked in a vibrant, buttery sauce made with plant-based butter, fresh garlic, zesty lemon juice, and a touch of natural umami. Ready in under 30 minutes, it is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish perfect for weeknights or special occasions, pairing beautifully with a variety of sides and garnished with fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 4 fresh cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons plant-based butter
- 3 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 pinch natural gelling agent
- Sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Cod Fillets: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to ensure even cooking and that the sauce adheres well. Season both sides generously with sea salt and black pepper. Set aside while preparing the sauce.
- Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the plant-based butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Stir in the lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of natural gelling agent. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.
- Cook the Cod in the Sauce: Place the seasoned cod fillets carefully into the simmering sauce. Spoon sauce over the top, cover the pan, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the cod flakes easily with a fork. Occasionally baste the fillets with sauce to maintain moisture and flavor.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Serve: Once the cod is cooked through, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the fillets and spoon extra sauce from the pan on top. Serve immediately to enjoy the full brightness and richness of the dish.
Notes
- Use the freshest cod possible for the best texture and flavor.
- Avoid overcooking the cod; remove from heat as soon as it flakes.
- Simmer the sauce gently to thicken it without burning or separating.
- Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a brighter citrus taste.
- Let the cod rest off the heat for a minute to absorb the sauce fully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-cooking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: lemon cod, garlic butter cod, plant-based butter fish recipe, quick cod recipe, gluten free cod