If you’ve been searching for a delightful dinner that feels both special and effortlessly delicious, look no further than this Garlic Butter Cod with Lemon Rice. This dish brings together flaky, tender cod fillets bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce alongside bright, citrus-infused lemon rice—a combination that sings with freshness and comfort. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a weekend gathering, this recipe guarantees a burst of flavor with every bite, making it a new favorite you’ll want to come back to again and again.

Garlic Butter Cod with Lemon Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Garlic Butter Cod with Lemon Rice relies on simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create a harmony of taste, texture, and color. Each component plays its part, from the rich butter and fragrant garlic enriching the cod to the zesty lemon brightening the tender rice—making the dish both satisfying and visually enticing.

1½ lb (700 g) cod fillets: Fresh or thawed cod provides a mild, flaky base perfect for soaking up garlic butter flavors.
3 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create that silky garlic sauce.
2 tbsp olive oil: Balances the butter and helps cook the garlic gently without burning.
4 cloves garlic, minced: The star flavor here, providing warmth and aroma.
Zest of 1 lemon: Offers a bright, sunny note that complements the seafood beautifully.
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Adds acidity to brighten the entire dish and enhance flavors.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing everything to life.
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: A fresh, herbal finish that adds color and freshness.
1 cup long-grain white rice: The base for the lemon rice, fluffy and absorbing all those lemony notes.
2 cups water or chicken broth: Cooking liquid that flavors the rice deeply; broth adds extra richness.
1 tbsp olive oil or butter: Adds moisture and a subtle fatty layer to the rice.
Zest of ½ lemon: Enhances the lemon flavor in the rice without overwhelming it.
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Infuses the rice with gentle acidity and brightness.
Salt to taste: Balances the rice and ties all the ingredients together.

How to Make Garlic Butter Cod with Lemon Rice

Step 1: Cook the Lemon Rice

Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until it runs clear—that keeps the grains fluffy and prevents stickiness. Bring your choice of water or chicken broth to a boil, then add the rice along with olive oil or butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes. When it’s tender and fragrant, fluff the rice with a fork and keep it warm while you prepare the cod. This step ensures your lemon rice has that perfect balance of tartness and softness to serve as the bed for your fish.

Step 2: Prepare the Cod

Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels so they sear beautifully instead of steaming. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. This simple step is crucial for enhancing the natural flavor of the fish and creating that lovely golden crust we all crave.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

In a large skillet set over medium heat, melt the butter together with olive oil. Once melted, add your minced garlic and sauté carefully for 30 to 45 seconds until the aroma bursts forth—make sure to avoid browning the garlic, which can add bitterness. This fragrant garlic butter is the flavorful pool your cod will simmer in, so take your time perfecting it.

Step 4: Cook the Cod

Gently nestle the cod fillets into the skillet, letting them cook undisturbed for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Watch for the edges to turn golden and the fish to flake easily with a fork—that’s your cue it’s perfectly cooked. While cooking, spoon the garlic butter over the fillets continuously to keep them moist and infused with buttery garlic goodness.

Step 5: Finish with Lemon

Right before you remove the skillet from heat, add the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice to the pan. Give the sauce a gentle stir and spoon it all generously over the cod. This final citrus touch adds a fresh brightness that cuts through the richness and leaves your taste buds wanting more.

Step 6: Plate and Serve

Serve your Garlic Butter Cod with Lemon Rice hot, piling the flaky cod fillets over a bed of the fragrant lemon rice. Sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh parsley and, if you like, an extra squeeze of lemon juice for an irresistible finishing touch.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Cod with Lemon Rice

Garnishes

A handful of fresh parsley not only adds a lovely pop of green but also complements the citrus and garlic flavors perfectly. For a little extra zest, a thin lemon wedge or some microgreens can provide a bright, fresh finish that enhances both flavor and presentation.

Side Dishes

This dish shines wonderfully on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed lightly with olive oil and vinegar or steamed seasonal vegetables like asparagus or green beans. A crusty baguette also works wonderfully to mop up any remaining garlic butter sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress guests, serve the fish on a wide, shallow bowl filled with lemon rice, allowing the butter sauce to pool at the bottom. Garnish with edible flowers or thinly sliced radishes for color contrast. Alternatively, plate individual portions on wooden boards for a rustic farmhouse appeal that feels warm and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Garlic Butter Cod with Lemon Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within two days to maintain the best texture and flavor of the fish and rice.

Freezing

The cod can be frozen, but because fish tends to change texture slightly after freezing, it’s ideal to freeze only the rice. Store rice in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. If freezing fish, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil to minimize freezer burn.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in a microwave at medium power to avoid drying out the cod. Add a dab of butter or a splash of water to keep moisture. The lemon rice reheats beautifully when fluffed and warmed slowly, retaining its zesty brightness.

FAQs

Can I use another type of fish for this recipe?

Absolutely! While cod is ideal because of its mild flavor and flaky texture, you can substitute with halibut, haddock, or even tilapia. Just be mindful of cooking times as thinner fillets cook faster.

Is chicken broth better than water for cooking the rice?

Using chicken broth adds a richer, more savory depth to the lemon rice, but water works perfectly well if you prefer a lighter or vegetarian option. Either way, the lemon keeps the rice flavorful and fresh.

How can I make the garlic butter sauce without burning the garlic?

Keep the heat at medium or slightly lower and add the garlic only once the butter and oil are melted. Sauté just until fragrant, about 30 to 45 seconds, avoiding any browning which creates bitterness.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your broth, if using, is certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.

What wine pairs well with Garlic Butter Cod with Lemon Rice?

A crisp, light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the citrusy, buttery flavors without overpowering the delicate cod. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a lemon twist works beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Cod with Lemon Rice is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, bright, and utterly delicious. It’s easy enough to whip up any night but elegant enough to impress when guests come over. Give this recipe a try and savor every flavorful, buttery bite. I promise it will quickly become one of your go-to dishes for dinner success.