Dinner

Buttered Cod Recipe

ByMaya bella November 30, 2025November 30, 2025

Introduction

Buttered Cod is a simple and flavorful seafood dish that brings together tender cod fillets with a rich, buttery seasoning. Enhanced by a touch of lemon and fresh parsley, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal.

The image shows a white pan filled with several pieces of cooked fish that have a light golden-brown color with a soft texture. The fish pieces are spread out and topped with chopped green herbs, likely cilantro or parsley, giving a fresh green contrast. Bright yellow lemon wedges are placed around the fish, adding a vibrant color and freshness to the dish. A spoon with a white and gold handle is drizzling a light yellow, creamy sauce over one piece of fish, making the sauce appear rich and smooth. The pan is on a white marbled surface with a blurred lemon in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs cod fillets
6 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
3/4 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 lemon, juiced
Fresh parsley for garnish
Lemon slices for serving

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Step 2: Coat the cod fillets evenly with the seasoning mixture in the bowl.
Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter.
Step 4: Place the seasoned cod fillets in the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes without moving them.
Step 5: Gently flip the fillets, add the remaining butter, and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
Step 6: Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the cooked fish. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, substitute paprika with cayenne pepper or chipotle powder.
Use fresh garlic and onion instead of powders for a more intense flavor.
Try other firm white fish like tilapia, or fattier fish such as salmon for a different taste and texture.
Serve with steamed vegetables or a light salad to balance the richness of the butter.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the fish. It’s best eaten fresh for optimal flavor and texture.

How to Serve

A close-up of a dish showing several thick, white and orange cooked fish chunks in a shallow black pan, sitting in a bright orange sauce. The fish pieces are topped with chopped green herbs and surrounded by thick slices of fresh yellow lemon. A silver fork is piercing a piece of fish on the right side. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Unsalted butter is recommended so you can control the salt level in the dish. Using salted butter may result in a saltier final dish, but you can reduce or omit additional salt if that’s your option.

How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?

The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque throughout. Overcooking can cause it to become dry and fall apart, so watch the timing carefully during cooking.