Broiled Cod with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe

If you’re looking for a restaurant-worthy seafood dinner you can whip up on a busy weeknight, Broiled Cod with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce is about to steal your heart (and tastebuds). Picture buttery, flaky cod with a golden, zesty sauce that comes together in a flash—it’s bright, savory, and downright irresistible!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need a long shopping list for Broiled Cod with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce—just a handful of essential ingredients, each one pulling its weight to create magic. Every element adds a different layer: freshness, richness, brightness, or a little herbal flourish.

• Cod Fillets: Opt for firm, even-sized fillets—fresh or frozen both work well (just thaw first!).
• Salt & Pepper: The classic seasonings, bringing out the natural sweetness of the cod.
• Unsalted Butter: The backbone of that silky, decadent sauce. Make sure it’s unsalted so you can control flavor.
• Fresh Garlic (minced): For punchy, aromatic flavor that plays so well with lemon and butter.
• Lemon Juice & Zest: Use fresh lemon for both—the juice for zing, the zest for a bursty citrus perfume.
• Fresh Parsley: A shower of chopped parsley at the end adds color and a pop of herbal freshness.

Variations

Think of this Broiled Cod with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce as your flavor canvas—so many ways to make it your own! Here are just a few easy tweaks for swapping ingredients or bending the recipe to fit your vibe and pantry.

• Swap the Fish: This broiling technique (and the dreamy sauce) also works beautifully with halibut, tilapia, or haddock fillets.
• Add a Spicy Kick: Stir a pinch of red pepper flakes or a little cayenne into the sauce for gentle heat.
• Make it Dairy-Free: Use a vegan butter substitute and drizzle extra olive oil for a still-silky texture.
• Extra Herbs: Try adding dill, chives, or fresh basil along with the parsley to change up the herbal finish.

How to Make Broiled Cod with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Cod

Start by getting your broiler nice and hot so it’s ready the moment you need it. While it heats, pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels—this step makes sure you get that lovely, slightly golden finish when they broil. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Make Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce

Set a cast iron or oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat, and melt the butter until frothy. Add minced garlic and stir constantly for just about 30 seconds—just enough to take off the edge and bring out its fragrance. Swiftly stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest, which will sizzle and make your kitchen smell incredible.

Step 3: Sear the Cod Fillets

Nestle the seasoned cod fillets right into that buttery, garlicky pool. Sear them for 1 minute—just to get things going and infuse that flavor on the stovetop—then gently flip each fillet over.

Step 4: Broil to Perfection

Slide the skillet under the broiler, about 4-6 inches from the heat. Broil for 6 to 9 minutes, depending on your fillet thickness. The cod should turn opaque and flake easily with a fork—use a thermometer for extra precision (look for 130-140°F in the thickest part). Don’t wander off—this step goes quickly!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once your Broiled Cod with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce is out of the oven, finish with a flurry of chopped parsley and, if you like, extra lemon slices for even more color and brightness. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve Broiled Cod with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce

Garnishes

This dish truly shines with a final shower of fresh minced parsley—don’t be shy! For restaurant-level visual appeal, add thinly sliced lemon rounds and maybe a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt right before serving. The pop of green and glistening lemon makes Broiled Cod with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Keep things simple and fresh: think steamed asparagus, roasted baby potatoes, or a pillowy pile of herby rice. This cod is also wonderful over a quick quinoa salad or with sautéed spinach. And don’t forget crusty bread—soaking up the lemon butter sauce is half the fun!

Creative Ways to Present

Planning a special dinner? Serve the broiled cod fillets atop individual plates of creamy polenta or a velvety cauliflower purée for contrast. For something elegant yet unfussy, try arranging the fish on a large platter with extra sauce drizzled over and a fan of vibrant seasonal vegetables on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have extra Broiled Cod with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce? Let the fillets cool, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay perfectly delicious for up to 3–4 days—great for lunchboxes or super-easy dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked cod, though the texture may be a bit softer once thawed. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or store in a freezer-safe bag. For best quality, enjoy within one month—thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

For gentle reheating, place leftover cod in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 275°F oven until just heated through (usually 10–12 minutes). Microwaving works in a pinch, but use short bursts so the fish stays tender and the sauce doesn’t separate.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Whether you want an easy weeknight meal or something spectacular for company, Broiled Cod with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce never lets you down. Every bite is buttery, zippy, and full of life—give it a spot on your table and watch it become a new favorite!

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