Broiled Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce is a quick and easy, family friendly recipe. It takes just 5 ingredients and less than 20 minutes to put this delicious meal on the table. This recipe is also perfect for those following low carb, keto, or gluten free diets, as well.
This post contains affiliate links. See our Disclosure Statement for more information. The cod in this recipe was sent to me complimentary.
Salmon and shrimp are usually my go-to seafood choices when making dinner, but cod is quickly becoming my new favorite fish to cook with. It’s just so tender, flaky, and flavorful.
I received a ton of cod fillets from Sitka Salmon Shares in April and May, so I pretty much had to figure out the best cod recipes to use it in. In addition to this Broiled Cod, I’ve also developed recipes for Potato Crusted Cod, Cod Piccata and Fried Cod – all of which are so delicious!
In case you’re not aware, Sitka Salmon Shares is kind of like a CSA for seafood. You pay a monthly rate and they send you fresh, wild caught, Alaskan seafood. They are a fisherman-first business. You can learn more about them and see what shares are available on their website. Save $25 on any share except for the Taste of Fall Share with code DLB.
Full disclosure: Sitka sent me the April and May boxes complimentary, but we are planning to buy the remaining 7 shares because of how delicious the seafood has been and because of their amazing business practices. I’m really looking forward to all of the salmon coming soon and the sashimi-grade tuna, spot prawns, and dungeness crab later in the year.
The first recipe that I decided to make is a spin on a cod dish that I had in a restaurant recently in Florida that was so good. It was a simple baked or broiled cod with lemon and butter, so I knew it would be easy to recreate – especially since it’s very similar in flavor to the Garlic Butter Chicken and Garlic Butter Steak Bites that I posted recently.
Why This Recipe Works
This is an easy, quick, healthy recipe to make. From start to finish, it takes less than 20 minutes.
It doesn’t take a lot of ingredients. It’s simply cod fillets seasoned with butter, garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs. It’s the best broiled cod recipe I’ve had yet!
Cod is a mild fish that even kids will enjoy. This is definitely a family-friendly recipe. It’s also great for those following a low carb, keto, and/or gluten free diet.
How To Make Broiled Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
What You Need To Make This Recipe
To make this recipe, you will need:
- 1 pound of cod (4 fillets)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (minced)
Chef’s Tip: try to choose cod fillets that are approximately the same thickness so that they all cook more evenly.
You will also need a cast iron or oven-proof skillet. You don’t want your pan to be any larger than 10-12 inches. If you don’t have either of those, see the notes section in the recipe card at the bottom of this post for instructions on how to make this recipe in a baking dish instead.
The entire recipe and instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.
Prep!
If your cod is frozen, you will need to make sure it’s fully thawed before you begin.
Preheat the broiler on your oven.
Zest and juice half of a lemon and mince the garlic and parsley.
Create!
Pat the cod with a paper towel, then season both sides with the salt and pepper.
Melt the butter over medium-high heat in a cast iron or oven-proof skillet that is no bigger than 12 inches. This is important because if the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce is spread too thin, the garlic may burn and become bitter.
Chef’s Tip: see the notes section of the recipe card at the bottom of this post for instructions on how to make this recipe in a baking dish if you don’t have an oven-proof skillet.
Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds, then stir in the lemon juice and zest.
Place the cod fillets in the pan and cook for 1 minute, then carefully turn them over.
Place the skillet in the oven about 4-6 inches from the broiler. Broil for 6-9 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets, or until the internal temperature of the cod reaches 130-140°F on a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the thickest portion of a fillet.
You can also tell when cod is done when it is opaque and flaky, but I find it harder to tell when it’s opaque with this particular type of fish.
Present!
Garnish with the parsley and extra lemon slices, if desired.
Serve immediately.
Tips and Techniques
- Choose cod fillets that are approximately the same size and thickness to ensure even cooking.
- If you don’t have an oven-proof skillet, you can place the cod fillets in a baking dish. Prepare the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce as instructed in the recipe card, then pour the sauce over the fillets before broiling.
- Store leftover cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3-4 days.
FAQ’s
What Do You Serve With Cod?
Because cod is so mild, you can pair it with almost any vegetable or starchy side dishes that compliments the flavors you’ve added to it.
Some side dishes that would pair great with this cod recipe are:
- Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts, zucchini, or cauliflower.
- Starches such as roasted or baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, or rice.
- Salad.
More Seafood Recipes To Try
Here are more seafood recipes that you might like:
- Low Carb Garlic Parmesan Shrimp over Spaghetti Squash
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp Cakes
- Lemon Garlic Salmon Cakes
- Sheet Pan Teriyaki Salmon
- Sheet Pan Salmon Fajitas
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If you try this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would please leave a comment and star rating. Thanks!
Broiled Cod with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 pound cod fillets (4 fillets)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 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 on the oven. Pat the cod with a paper towel, then season both sides with the salt and pepper.
- Melt the butter over medium-high heat in a cast iron or oven-proof skillet that is no bigger than 12 inches. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds, then stir in the lemon juice and zest.
- Place the cod fillets in the pan and cook for 1 minute, then carefully turn them over.
- Place the skillet in the oven about 4-6 inches from the broiler. Broil for 6-9 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets, or until the internal temperature of the cod reaches 130-140°F on a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the thickest portion of a fillet.
- Garnish with the parsley and extra lemon slices, if desired, and serve.
Notes
Tips and Techniques
- Choose cod fillets that are approximately the same size and thickness to ensure even cooking.
- If you don’t have an oven-proof skillet, you can place the cod fillets in a baking dish. Prepare the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce as instructed in the recipe card, then pour the sauce over the fillets before broiling.
- Store leftover cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3-4 days.
Stephanie says
Delicious! *Chef’s kiss*
Lael says
I absolutely loved this broiled cod. Will make again with either no added salt or salt free butter. Extraordinary fine dinner.
Ken says
This turned out awesome, followed recipe just as written. I was a bit skeptical about the butter burning, was turning brown before putting it in oven. However, the fish was awesome. (I would not use the remaining butter/garlic liquid as a sauce, had some black/burned stuff in it, but didn’t need it for flavor.) It was plenty done after 6 1/2 minutes in the broiler (internal temp was over 160f), so probably would have been fine after 4 min.
May says
Trying this recipe now! Do I broil on hi or low?
My kitchen smells delicious!
Lauren Vavala says
Hi May! Sorry I think I missed this just a tad late! I have never had a broiler where it could be set high or low. It’s usually 500 degrees F, though. I hope that helps – or that you were able to finish the recipe okay.
– Lauren
wanda says
This is so delicious. I have made numerous times and comes out great every time!
Lauren Vavala says
Thanks so much Wanda!
– Lauren
Olive says
This was sooooooo good I will definitely be making this again and again!!
Lauren Vavala says
Thank you so much!!
– Lauren
Enriqueta E Lemoine says
I love how flaky cod is. I followed all your directions, and now I feel like cooking fresh cod more frequently. The fish was so juicy! Thanks for the recipe.
Marisa F. Stewart says
I loved the simplicity of this recipe. We eat seafood several times a week and wild caught cod is reasonable priced and very available. Last night we broiled our cod with the lemon garlic and it was delicious. The top turned golden and the inside was delicious and flavorful. Will be making it this way again.
Jacqueline Debono says
I’ve just added cod fillets to my shopping list for this coming week. I love how simple yet flavourful this recipe is! Looking forward to trying it!
Beth says
I don’t cook cod often, but since I see it frequently at Costco now I’m going to try this simple yet tasty recipe. Since I don’t have a grill, I’m thrilled to see this needs only a broiler and a cast iron pan.
HEATHER PERINE says
I LOVE cod – any way I can have it but I rarely make it at home. But this sounds too easy and too delicious to not try next week for my dinner meal plan. Might swap the parsley for dill? Have you tried it with dill? Either way Sounds delicious!
Kathryn says
We loved this cod recipe with the lemon garlic sauce! It was so delicious especially on a hot day, thanks!!
Natalia says
Cod is one of my favorite fish but sometimes I lack of ideas to cook it in a different way. So glad I saw your recipe! I love that is easy and quick to make, and super healthy! Thanks for sharing!
Allyssa says
Thanks a lot for this amazing broiled cod! It’s very easy to understand and make! Fam loves it as well! Thanks for sharing this very helpful recipe!
Cathleen says
I love buying cod, but I never have a recipe in mind to make with it. This one looks perfect, bookmarked for the next time I buy cod! Thanks so much for the recipe! 🙂
Sharon says
I had some cod in my freezer that I was looking for the right recipe to make using it, and this was it! The lemon was delicious with it.
Roxanne says
This cod recipe is a sure winner! We are making it for the third time in the past couple of months. I’m not a fan of haddock, but my husband is. He’s not a fan of salmon, but I am. This cod recipe is a good fit for both of us!
Lauren Vavala says
So happy to hear this! Thanks so much for the feedback and 5-star rating. Cod is a happy medium for everyone in my family too 🙂
– Lauren
Alan S. says
The fish was too dry and firm.Probably didn’t work well with single filet in cast iron pan. Probably overheated and over cooked since my temp probe doesn’t hold well in fish. Will have to find better recipe for single filet. That is one problem with just cooking for myself, Have to downsize every recipe.
Lauren Vavala says
Hi Alan, thanks for your feedback. I agree! It can be really hard to downsize recipes. We do it all the time in culinary school and the biggest issues are liquids evaporating too quickly and overcooking meats. We keep the pan size smaller and maybe double the sauce (double the amount for 1 serving, not the full recipe). Hopefully this helps a little.
– Lauren
Patricia says
How do I keep the garlic from burning?
However I love this dish
Patricia
Lauren Vavala says
Hi Patricia, if you’re having trouble with the garlic, you can add a little more liquid to the pan (just enough to keep the garlic from sticking to the bottom) before putting it in the oven, or add the garlic after it comes out and stir it around for 30-60 seconds. Hope this helps 🙂
– Lauren
Ronald Cole says
Where do I print the recipe?
Lauren Vavala says
Hi Ronald. The print button is right above the name of the recipe in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Michelle says
This cod was perfectly cooked and tender and flaky. So amazing.
Adrianne says
Yum! I love that you have made this delicious cod, it looks so healthy and great for a fish meal during the week. I am trying to eat more seafood so I can’t wait to make it. Thanks
Neli Howard says
This broiled cod is just what I need for my meal plan next 2 weeks! Need to get in my summer bod for all the beach and pool parties coming up.
Sisley White says
I love Cod and I’m always looking for new ways to cook it. This was so easy and utterly delicious.