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Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Roasted Asparagus

Lemon Garlic Butter Cod - featured image
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This easy weeknight dinner features flaky cod fillets pan-seared in a bright lemon garlic butter sauce, served alongside caramelized roasted asparagus. It’s a comforting, healthy meal that comes together in under 30 minutes and is perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each), skinless and boneless
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey (optional)
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 lb), trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Snap or trim tough ends off the asparagus. Place asparagus on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon lemon zest. Toss to coat and spread in an even layer.
  2. Roast asparagus in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until tender and lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
  3. Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika. Lightly dust with 2 tablespoons flour (shake off excess).
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cod fillets and cook 3-4 minutes on one side (until golden and edges look opaque). Carefully flip and cook another 2-3 minutes on the other side.
  5. In a small saucepan, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, and honey. Simmer for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
  6. Place cod fillets on plates or a platter. Spoon lemon garlic butter sauce generously over each fillet. Arrange roasted asparagus on the side.
  7. Sprinkle with extra parsley and a pinch of sea salt, if desired. Serve immediately with a final squeeze of fresh lemon.

Notes

For gluten-free, use almond flour. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based butter. Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing cod. Dry cod thoroughly for best browning. Adjust lemon and honey in the sauce to taste. Cod can be swapped for haddock, tilapia, or halibut. Asparagus can be replaced with other seasonal veggies. Leftover sauce intensifies overnight and is great for sandwiches or salads.

Nutrition

Keywords: cod, lemon garlic butter, roasted asparagus, easy dinner, healthy, weeknight, gluten-free option, dairy-free option, fish recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/lemon-garlic-butter-cod-recipe-easy-weeknight-dinner-with-roasted-asparagus/