Paraben Free Lemon Butter Cod
Bright, buttery, and deeply satisfying, this pan-seared cod is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels far more impressive than the effort it takes. The fillets get a gorgeous golden crust from the garlic-infused oil before a quick brown butter sauce — built right in the same skillet — ties everything together with fresh lemon juice, zest, scallions, and parsley. Every ingredient here is whole and recognizable, which matters when you're navigating a lifestyle that means scrutinizing labels for hidden synthetic additives and preservatives. Fresh fish, real butter, citrus straight from the fruit — there's nothing to second-guess. The technique of browning the butter until it smells nutty, then pulling the pan off the heat before adding the lemon, keeps the sauce silky and bright rather than greasy or flat. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds just enough warmth to make the whole dish pop. Serve it straight from the skillet with extra lemon wedges and you've got a clean, vibrant plate that genuinely delivers on flavor.
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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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