Description
Lemon Garlic Butter Cod features tender, flaky cod fillets infused with a zesty lemon and fragrant garlic plant-based butter sauce, enhanced by fresh herbs and a touch of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner or a special occasion, delivering vibrant flavors and a wholesome, dairy-free meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Seasoning
- 4 fresh cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons plant-based butter
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
Garnish (optional)
- Extra fresh parsley and thyme
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small pan, melt the plant-based butter over medium heat. Add finely minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and chopped fresh parsley and thyme. Let the flavors meld for a minute, then remove from heat.
- Sear the Cod: Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place cod fillets skin-side down if skin is on and cook without moving for 3-4 minutes until a golden crust forms. Carefully flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily.
- Combine and Serve: Pour warm lemon garlic butter sauce over cooked cod just before serving to maintain fresh, vibrant flavors. Garnish with extra fresh herbs and lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh cod for best texture and flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to allow proper searing.
- Gently melt butter to avoid burning garlic.
- Adjust lemon juice to taste for desired acidity.
- Allow cooked fish to rest a couple of minutes before serving for juicier results.
- Can prepare the lemon garlic butter sauce ahead and reheat gently before serving.
- Leftovers keep fresh up to two days refrigerated; freeze up to one month if wrapped well.
- Reheat in a low oven or gently on stove with a splash of water or broth and fresh lemon juice to refresh flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Contemporary
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: cod, lemon, garlic, plant-based butter, quick dinner, seafood, dairy-free