MSG Free Lemon Butter Cod
Flaky, golden-seared cod meets a bright, nutty lemon butter sauce in a dish that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together in a single skillet. Every ingredient here is whole and straightforward — fresh lemon juice, real butter, herbs, and a touch of garlic-infused oil — so there's no need to scan labels for hidden additives or flavor enhancers that sneak into so many store-bought sauces and seasoning blends. The technique is simple but smart: patting the fillets completely dry before they hit the hot pan is what gives you that gorgeous golden crust without any fuss. Browning the butter until it turns lightly golden and nutty before adding the lemon creates a sauce with serious depth, and the scallion tops and fresh parsley keep everything tasting clean and vibrant. A hit of red pepper flakes is optional, but even a pinch adds just enough warmth to balance the bright citrus. Spoon that glossy sauce generously over each fillet and serve immediately — this one doesn't like to wait.
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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.
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