Honey Free Lemon Butter Cod
Flaky, golden-seared cod meets a bright, buttery pan sauce in this weeknight-friendly dish that feels far more impressive than the effort required. The sauce comes together in the same skillet after the fish is done — browned butter, fresh lemon juice, zest, scallions, and parsley all stirred together into something genuinely restaurant-worthy. Because the whole recipe relies on straightforward, savory ingredients, there's no need to scan labels or swap anything out to keep it free of sweeteners — it's naturally built that way. Garlic-infused oil does the heavy lifting on flavor before the fish even hits the pan, giving each fillet a subtly aromatic crust without any fuss. A pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce adds just enough heat to balance the richness of the butter and the brightness of the lemon. Serve it straight from the skillet with extra lemon wedges and you've got a clean, vibrant plate that tastes like it took much longer than it did.
About FigFig 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!