Garlic Butter Cod with Lemon Rice Recipe
This Garlic Butter Cod with Lemon Rice recipe features tender cod fillets cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, paired perfectly with zesty lemon-infused rice. A simple yet elegant dish that’s quick to prepare, combining the delicate taste of cod with fresh lemon and aromatic garlic butter for a satisfying meal.
- Author: Douaa
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
For the Garlic Butter Cod
- 1½ lb (700 g) cod fillets
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
For the Lemon Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Zest of ½ lemon
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Cook the Lemon Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, bring the water or chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, olive oil or butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt. Reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender. Fluff the rice with a fork and keep warm.
- Prepare the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry using paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Make the Garlic Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the butter and olive oil. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant but not browned, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Cook the Cod: Place the seasoned cod fillets carefully into the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. While cooking, spoon the garlic butter sauce over the fillets to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Finish the Sauce: Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the skillet with the cooked cod. Gently spoon the garlic-lemon butter sauce over the cod fillets. Remove the skillet from heat once combined.
- Serve: Plate the lemon rice and place the garlic butter cod fillets on top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and an additional squeeze of lemon if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the full flavors of the dish.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice helps remove excess starch, preventing it from becoming too sticky.
- Do not overcook the cod; it should flake easily and remain moist.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright flavor.
- Chicken broth can be substituted with vegetable broth for a vegetarian side option.
- If you prefer a richer rice, use butter instead of olive oil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Garlic Butter Cod, Lemon Rice, Seafood Dinner, Easy Fish Recipe, Healthy Dinner