Description
A quick and flavorful 15-minute weeknight dinner featuring seared cod fillets in a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce with Cajun seasoning.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 to 2 pounds cod fillets (fresh or thawed frozen)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 4 to 5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun or Creole seasoning
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 fresh lemon (zest and juice)
- 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
- Small handful fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Sea salt (to taste, if seasoning is low sodium)
Instructions
- Pat cod fillets completely dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with Cajun seasoning.
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil, heating until it shimmers.
- Carefully place fillets in the pan without overcrowding. Cook for 4 minutes without moving to form a crust, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until opaque and flaky. Remove fish and set aside on a plate covered with foil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter to the same pan and let it melt and foam. Add minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not brown.
- Squeeze in lemon juice and add lemon zest. Stir to combine and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Return cod to the pan to soak up sauce or spoon sauce over fish on plates. Garnish with green onions and parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure fish is completely dry before searing to prevent steaming. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Watch garlic closely as it burns easily. Cod is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and flakes easily with a fork.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0.5
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 30
Keywords: Cajun cod, garlic butter fish, quick dinner, weeknight meals, healthy seafood, gluten-free dinner, easy fish recipe