If you’re on the search for a quick weeknight meal that feels restaurant-worthy, look no further than this Buttered Cod recipe. With its delicate, flaky fish bathed in rich, golden butter and topped off with a hint of citrus and fresh herbs, every bite is pure comfort. Whether you’re new to seafood or already a devoted fish fan, the irresistible combination of buttery richness and zingy lemon is guaranteed to win you over. Buttered Cod is one of those magical dishes that feels fancy but is secretly so easy, making it perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Buttered Cod is its straightforward, honest ingredients. Each brings something essential to the table—whether it’s savory depth, color, a hint of spice, or that mouthwatering finish only butter can provide.

Cod fillets (1 1/2 lbs): Choose fresh, firm white fillets for the best texture and flavor—they soak up the butter and spices beautifully.
Unsalted butter (6 tbsp): This is the heart of the dish, lending creamy richness and that signature golden sauce.
Garlic powder (¼ tsp): Adds a mellow, savory backdrop that enhances the cod’s natural sweetness without overpowering.
Onion powder (1/4 tsp): Brings gentle aroma and a subtle savory bite to the seasoning mix.
Paprika (¾ tsp): Gives the fish lovely color and a hint of mild, smoky warmth.
Salt (½ tsp): Essential for coaxing out every nuance of flavor in both the fish and butter sauce.
Ground black pepper (¼ tsp): A touch of earthiness and gentle heat that balances the richness.
Lemon (1/2, juiced): Bright acidity cuts through the butter, adding freshness and zing—don’t skip it!
Fresh parsley (chopped): A pop of color and a clean, herby lift right at the end.
Lemon slices: For garnish and extra citrusy aroma—these finish the dish beautifully.

How to Make Buttered Cod

Step 1: Mix the Seasonings

Start by grabbing a small bowl and stirring together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This simple blend is the backbone of flavor for your Buttered Cod: savory, a little smoky, and with the perfect amount of warmth to let the cod shine.

Step 2: Season the Cod

Lay your cod pieces out and give them a generous sprinkle of the seasoning mix you just made. Don’t be shy! Make sure each piece is nicely coated on all sides so that every bite of Buttered Cod is packed with flavor.

Step 3: Sear the Cod in Butter

Heat a large skillet over medium-high and add 2 tablespoons of your butter. When it’s just melted and shimmering, gently lay in the cod pieces. Cook them, undisturbed, for about 2 minutes—this helps form a lovely light crust and gives your cod a beautiful color without drying it out.

Step 4: Turn, Add More Butter, and Cook

Turn the heat to low before carefully flipping each cod piece. Now, add the remaining butter right into the skillet. Let it melt as the cod gently cooks for another 3-4 minutes. The fish will soak up that rich, buttery goodness, staying tender and moist. Keep an eye out: you want it just cooked through without falling apart!

Step 5: Finish with Lemon, Parsley, and Serve

Once the cod is perfectly cooked and the butter has melted into a glorious sauce, squeeze fresh lemon juice all over everything. The citrus brightens the richness immediately. Finish with a flurry of chopped parsley and tuck a few lemon slices alongside for a vivid, mouthwatering presentation.

How to Serve Buttered Cod

Garnishes

A spritz of fresh lemon juice and a shower of chopped parsley take your Buttered Cod from simple to sensational. Even just a few vibrant lemon slices can make the plate look inviting and fresh, while the parsley adds a lovely touch of green and a delicate herbal note. If you’re feeling fancy, a few capers or a dusting of extra paprika can add a pop of color and intrigue.

Side Dishes

This dish loves company! Buttered Cod pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a crisp garden salad. Roasted veggies like asparagus or green beans are wonderful for a touch of crunch, and a hunk of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that luscious butter sauce—you won’t want to leave any behind!

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Buttered Cod over a bed of herbed couscous or a swirl of lemony risotto for an elegant twist. Alternatively, set the fish in parchment and let guests unwrap their own little parcel of steamy, herbed cod at the table—it’s a restaurant-style presentation that’s secretly easy! If you’re meal-prepping, slice leftovers and tuck them in a sandwich or flake over a salad for a light, flavorful lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Buttered Cod keeps surprisingly well! Let the fish cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to two days—the sauce may solidify a bit but will melt beautifully when reheated.

Freezing

While cod is delicate and can change texture after freezing, you can absolutely freeze cooked leftovers if needed. Wrap the cooled Buttered Cod tightly in foil or freezer-safe wrap, then pop it into a container or freezer bag. For the best flavor and texture, aim to use frozen portions within one month.

Reheating

The key to reheating Buttered Cod is gentle heat. Place the fish in a skillet or oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm in a low oven (around 275°F) until just heated through. Or, microwave in short bursts at medium power to avoid overcooking. A squeeze of fresh lemon and a pat of butter added before serving will help revive that just-cooked flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod?

Absolutely! Buttered Cod turns out delicious with frozen fillets—just thaw them fully and blot dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking to keep the texture firm and the sauce from getting watery.

Which other types of fish work for Buttered Cod?

Mild, flaky white fish like haddock, pollock, or tilapia are excellent substitutes. The dish’s buttery sauce and bright flavors work well with almost any firm white fish you have on hand.

What if I don’t have fresh lemon?

No worries—bottled lemon juice can step in if needed, though the fresh stuff really makes Buttered Cod sing. Adding a bit of lemon zest can give even more flavor and aroma, especially if your lemons are particularly vibrant.

Can I bake instead of pan-searing?

Definitely! Place the seasoned cod in a baking dish, dot with butter, and bake at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes or until it flakes easily. It’s even easier and still delivers all the classic Buttered Cod flavor.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes! There’s zero flour in this Buttered Cod, so it’s safely gluten-free as written. Just double-check any sides or garnishes if you plan to serve it to someone with celiac or a sensitivity.

Final Thoughts

There’s something unforgettable about the combination of juicy, flaky fish and buttery, lemony sauce. Buttered Cod is joyfully simple, always impressive, and endlessly comforting—even on the busiest nights. Give it a try soon, and you might just find it becomes your new go-to for effortless, feel-good dinners!

Buttered Cod Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 32 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 17 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Calorie

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy a simple and delicious meal with this recipe for buttered cod. Tender cod fillets are seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices, cooked in butter, and finished with a bright lemony touch. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Instructions

Prepare Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Season Cod: Season the cod pieces with the mixture of seasoning.
Cook Cod: Heat up a large skillet over medium-high heat with 2 tbsp of butter. Add in the cod and cook for 2 minutes.
Flip and Finish Cooking: Lower the heat, flip the cod gently, add the remaining butter, and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
Finish Dish: Let the butter melt, ensuring not to overcook the cod. Drizzle with freshly squeezed lemon juice, garnish with parsley and lemon slices.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Frying
Cuisine: American