BHA & BHT Free Lemon Butter Cod

Total time25 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time15 min

4.7

(22)

Flaky, golden-seared cod bathed in a bright, nutty lemon butter sauce is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels far more impressive than the effort it requires. Many packaged and processed foods — including bottled sauces and flavored oils — quietly contain BHA or BHT as preservatives, which makes building a dish from whole, fresh ingredients the smartest move. Here, every component is clean and recognizable: fresh cod fillets, real butter, lemon juice squeezed straight from the fruit, and a handful of herbs. The garlic-infused oil gets the fish beautifully caramelized on the outside while keeping the inside tender and moist, and the pan sauce comes together in just a couple of minutes using the same skillet. Browning the butter until it turns light golden adds a subtle nuttiness that makes the lemon and parsley pop without any need for additives or shortcuts. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives the whole thing a gentle warmth, and a squeeze of fresh lemon at the table ties it all together. It's the kind of recipe you'll come back to again and again — simple, satisfying, and completely free of anything you wouldn't want on your plate.

About Fig

Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.

Learn more →

Ingredients

4 servings

4 cod fillets (6 oz each), about 1 inch thick
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp garlic-infused oil

For the sauce

3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon)
1 tsp lemon zest
2 tbsp scallion green tops, thinly sliced
1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For serving

lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1
Pat the cod fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels, then season both sides evenly with the salt and black pepper.
2
Heat the garlic-infused oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the cod fillets presentation-side down and cook, undisturbed, for 3–4 minutes, until the underside is golden and the fish releases easily from the pan.

Want the full recipe?

Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!