Description
A quick and flavorful Broiled Cod recipe featuring tender cod fillets cooked under a broiler and coated with a zesty lemon butter garlic sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, delivering a crispy top and moist, flaky fish with fresh citrus and herb notes.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 1 pound cod fillets (4 fillets)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (minced)
Instructions
- Preheat the Broiler: Turn on your oven’s broiler to high to prepare for cooking the cod quickly with direct heat.
- Season the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel to remove moisture, then season both sides evenly with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Prepare the Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce: In a cast iron or oven-proof skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest to create a vibrant sauce.
- Cook the Cod in the Skillet: Place the seasoned cod fillets into the skillet with the sauce and cook for 1 minute on one side to begin searing the fish.
- Flip the Fillets: Carefully turn the cod fillets over to cook the other side briefly before broiling.
- Broil the Cod: Transfer the skillet to the oven, positioning it 4-6 inches below the broiler. Broil for 6-9 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the cod reaches 130-140°F, indicating it is cooked through but still moist.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, sprinkle the cod with minced fresh parsley, and add additional lemon slices if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Patting the cod dry before seasoning ensures a nice sear and prevents steaming.
- Use a cast iron or oven-safe skillet to easily transfer from stovetop to broiler safely.
- Adjust broiling time based on your oven’s strength; thinner fillets require less time.
- The internal temperature of 130-140°F is ideal for flaky, tender cod without overcooking.
- Fresh lemon zest and juice brighten the rich butter and garlic sauce perfectly.
