Fast & Flavorful Lemon Garlic Butter Cod

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets, each about 6 oz and 1-inch thick
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• to taste Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• for serving Lemon wedges

Steps

1. 1

   Use paper towels to pat the cod fillets completely dry. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.

2. 2

   Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a 12-inch nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. The pan is ready when the butter has melted and begins to foam.

3. 3

   Dredge each cod fillet in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Carefully set the fillets in the hot skillet.

4. 4

   Sear the fish for about 3-4 minutes on the first side without moving them, until a golden-brown crust forms. Flip the fillets and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily (reaching an internal temperature of 145°F). Move the cooked cod to a clean plate.

5. 5

   Reduce the skillet's heat to medium and add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter. Once it has melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30-60 seconds until it becomes fragrant.

6. 6

   Pour the chicken broth and lemon juice into the pan. As it simmers, use a wooden spoon to scrape any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow the sauce to bubble and reduce for 1-2 minutes.

7. 7

   Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Return the seared cod fillets to the pan and spoon the finished sauce over them before serving.