Oats Free Lemon Butter Cod
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 takes. The fillets get a proper sear in garlic-infused oil until they release naturally from the pan, building a gorgeous crust before the butter sauce even enters the picture. That sauce — made by swirling butter until it just turns golden and smells nutty, then pulling it off the heat and stirring in fresh lemon juice, zest, scallions, and parsley — is simple, vibrant, and absolutely worth scraping from the pan. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle kick if you're into that. Every single ingredient here is naturally free of grains, so there's no need to scrutinize labels or swap anything out — this dish just works as written. It's elegant enough for guests but easy enough for a Tuesday, and the whole thing comes together in one skillet with minimal cleanup. Serve it with lemon wedges alongside and something good to soak up every last drop of that sauce.
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!