Nitrate & Nitrite Free Lemon Butter Cod
Bright, buttery, and built entirely from fresh whole ingredients, this pan-seared cod is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels far more special than the effort involved. Seafood lovers who need to avoid cured or processed proteins often find themselves limited to plain preparations, but this dish proves that clean eating doesn't have to mean boring eating. Every ingredient here — from the cod fillets to the fresh lemon juice, parsley, and scallion tops — is naturally free of added nitrates and nitrites, with no cured meats, deli products, or processed additives anywhere in sight. The technique is straightforward: the fillets get a golden sear in garlic-infused oil, then a quick rest while a nutty brown butter sauce comes together in the same pan. Fresh lemon juice and zest cut through the richness beautifully, and the scallion greens and parsley add a pop of color and herby brightness right at the end. A pinch of red pepper flakes is optional, but it gives the sauce a gentle warmth that makes every bite a little more interesting. Spoon that glossy sauce over the fish, add a lemon wedge on the side, and dinner is done — clean, vibrant, and genuinely delicious.
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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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