If you’re hunting for a restaurant-worthy seafood dinner that’s easy enough for a weeknight, Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin is about to earn a spot in your regular rotation. Imagine flaky, buttery cod with irresistibly crisp skin, all drenched in a zesty, garlicky lemon sauce that’s bright enough to wake up your tastebuds. Simple, show-stopping, and incredibly satisfying, this dish brings together bold flavors with beautiful textures—making it perfect for impressing family or treating yourself to a cozy, delicious night in.

Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing fussy here—just a handful of staples that pack a punch, working together to create layers of flavor and an inviting plate. Each ingredient in Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin plays a crucial role in building taste, texture, and aroma you won’t soon forget.

Cod fillets: Go for 4 fresh, 6-ounce fillets; their mild, slightly sweet flavor and firm texture make them ideal for crisping up.

Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create that luscious pan sauce while browning the skin beautifully.
Olive oil: Just a splash prevents butter from burning and helps the skin fry to golden perfection.

Garlic: Four cloves, minced, for a mellow, aromatic kick that pairs dreamily with both butter and lemon.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice: The star acid! Brightens the cod and sauce while balancing the buttery notes.

Lemon zest: Adds intense citrus aroma and visual pop—never skip it if you want true lemony flavor.
Salt and pepper: Don’t be shy—season both sides generously so each bite sings.
Fresh parsley: Offers color and a subtle herbaceous finish that lifts the whole plate.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin

Step 1: Pat and Season the Cod

This first move sets up everything that follows! Use paper towels to thoroughly pat the cod fillets dry—this step helps the skin fry up beautifully crisp. Once dry, sprinkle each fillet with salt and pepper on both sides. Proper seasoning ensures every forkful of your Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin is bursting with balanced flavor.

Step 2: Create the Garlicky Butter Base

In a roomy skillet (nonstick or well-seasoned cast iron works best) over medium heat, melt your butter together with the olive oil. When the butter is foaming and the oil is shimmering, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic, stirring constantly, just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. This is where the magic starts, building the aromatic backbone for the dish.

Step 3: Sear the Cod Skin Side Down

Gently lay the seasoned cod fillets skin-side down into the hot, garlicky butter mixture. Don’t crowd the pan; give the fish space to get that glorious crisp. Let them cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes—resist the urge to poke or move them! You’ll know they’re ready to flip when the skin is a deep golden brown and lifts easily from the pan.

Step 4: Flip and Add All the Lemon

Using a spatula, carefully flip each cod fillet. Immediately pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice. As the cod finishes cooking—just 3 to 4 minutes more—the lemon will sizzle in the pan, mingling with the butter to make a glossy sauce. The fish is finished when it flakes easily at the thickest point and turns opaque all the way through.

Step 5: Finish and Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin

Slide the pan off the heat and quickly scatter the chopped parsley and fresh lemon zest over the fillets for a blast of freshness and color. Spoon the buttery lemon sauce over each portion, then serve your Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin right away for maximum flavor and texture.

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin

Garnishes

Finish each plate with a shower of extra fresh parsley or microgreens for color and a hint of green flavor. Add a few twists of cracked black pepper and extra lemon zest for those citrusy vibes. Lemon wedges on the side are not just pretty—they let everyone personalize their plate with another squeeze of brightness.

Side Dishes

The rich, citrusy sauce makes this cod a dream with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a tangle of buttered noodles. For veggies, roasted asparagus or broccoli, garlicky green beans, or a simple salad round things out without overshadowing the main attraction.

Creative Ways to Present

Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin looks dazzling when plated over a bed of herbed couscous or swirled with vibrant pea purée. For a dramatic dinner party touch, serve the whole fillet on individual wooden boards, drizzle with sauce, and sprinkle with edible flowers or toasted nuts. Let your creativity shine—the flavors always steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), all you need to do is let the Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin cool to room temperature. Place the fillets in an airtight container with a spoonful of sauce to keep them moist, and refrigerate for up to two days. The skin will lose some crispness, but the flavor stays spot-on.

Freezing

Cod is a delicate fish, and while you can freeze any leftovers, the texture will soften upon thawing. Place cooled fillets in a freezer-safe container with a bit of sauce to prevent freezer burn, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat cod fillets in a nonstick skillet over low heat, spooning some extra sauce in to keep them from drying out. Avoid the microwave, which can overcook the delicate flesh. If you’re hoping to recapture a bit of that crisp via the oven, pop fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 300°F until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod fillets for Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin?

Absolutely! Just thaw them thoroughly and pat the fillets very dry before cooking to ensure the skin crisps up nicely. Fresh cod is fantastic, but frozen works wonderfully if handled properly.

What if my cod doesn’t have skin?

You can still enjoy the flavors of this dish without the crispy skin, although you’ll miss that signature crunch. Cook the fillets as directed, being extra careful when flipping, and baste often with the butter-lemon sauce to keep the fish moist.

Can I swap cod for another fish?

Definitely! This recipe shines with any firm, mild fish like haddock, grouper, or halibut. Just adjust cooking times slightly based on thickness, and you’ll have your own delicious twist on Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin.

Is it okay to use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is the secret to the vibrant, lively flavor in this recipe, but in a pinch, bottled can do. Just know that fresh-squeezed really pumps up the citrus profile and is worth the extra minute of effort!

How do I know when the cod is cooked through?

Perfectly cooked cod will turn opaque and flake easily when you gently insert a fork at its thickest point. For peace of mind, you can check with a thermometer—look for an internal temperature of 145°F.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to invite Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin into your kitchen soon. It’s one of those meals that feels both special and effortless, brightening any table with fresh, bold flavor and mouthwatering texture. Try it once, and you’ll want to make it again and again—happy cooking!

Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 12 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 20 minutes

Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Calorie

Print Recipe

Description

This Lemon Garlic Butter Cod recipe is a delightful dish featuring tender cod fillets with a crispy skin, infused with the flavors of zesty lemon and savory garlic butter.

Ingredients

Scale

Cod Fillets:

4 cod fillets (6 oz each)

Garlic Butter:

3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil

4 cloves garlic (minced)
3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper (to taste)
2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

Pat the Cod Fillets: Dry the cod fillets with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.

Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Cook Cod: Place the seasoned cod fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
Add Lemon Juice: Gently flip the fillets, pour in lemon juice, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the fish flakes easily.

Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley and lemon zest, then serve immediately.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

Category: Main Dish
Method: Pan Fry
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cod fillet
Calories: 290
Sugar: 1g

Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g

Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g

Fiber: 1g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: Lemon Garlic Butter Cod, Cod Fillets, Seafood Recipe, Easy Dinner Recipe