Rice 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 patted dry and seared in garlic-infused oil until they release naturally from the pan with a gorgeous crust, then the sauce comes together right in the same skillet — browned butter, fresh lemon juice, zest, scallion tops, and parsley all swirled into something silky and aromatic. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds just enough warmth to keep things interesting without overwhelming the delicate fish. For anyone navigating a grain-free table, this dish is a natural fit — every single component is built around fresh, whole ingredients with no hidden starches or fillers to worry about. Serving it with extra lemon wedges on the side lets everyone dial up the brightness to their own taste. It's the kind of clean, satisfying plate that proves you don't need a single grain to make dinner feel complete.
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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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