Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Lemon Sauce
These delicious Garlic Butter Cod Strips are tender, juicy and beautifully seasoned, with a golden grilled exterior. They’re coated in rich garlic butter and served over a silky, creamy lemon sauce with fresh herbs.
This recipe is perfect for lunch, dinner, family meals or a special seafood dinner.
1. Recipe information
Details
Information
Preparation time
15 minutes
Cooking time
12–15 minutes
Total time
30 minutes
Servings
4 people
Cuisine
American-inspired
Course
Main course
Cooking method
Pan-seared or grilled
Difficulty
Easy
Dietary preference
Nut-free, low-carb option
2. Ingredients
Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Simple and Savory Delight – Recipe Website
A. For the cod strips
700 g fresh cod fillets, boneless and skinless
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons melted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
B. For the creamy lemon garlic sauce
Creamy garlic sauce
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, finely minced
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs
C. For garnish
Fresh parsley
Lemon slices
A little cracked black pepper
A drizzle of melted garlic butter
3. Step-by-step cooking instructions
Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe | cookAIfood
Easy Grilled Cod with Herb Butter Recipe | The Kitchn
The entire family loved every bite of this dish. Next time, I’ll double the batch – Cooktop Cove
Step 1: Prepare the cod
Pat the cod fillets dry using paper towels.
Remove any remaining bones.
Cut the fillets lengthwise into thick strips.
Keep the strips approximately 1–1½ inches thick.
Make sure the fish is completely dry before seasoning.
Step 2: Season the fish
In a small bowl, combine:
Paprika
Smoked paprika
Salt
Black pepper
Onion powder
Oregano
Dried parsley
Add olive oil, lemon zest and lemon juice to the fish.
Rub the seasoning gently over every strip.
Allow the cod to marinate for 10–15 minutes in the refrigerator.
Step 3: Prepare garlic butter
Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a small pan.
Add minced garlic.
Cook for approximately 30–45 seconds on low heat.
Add a little parsley.
Remove from heat.
Avoid browning the garlic too much because it can become bitter.
Step 4: Cook the cod strips
Heat a nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Add a little olive oil.
Place the cod strips carefully into the pan.
Cook for approximately 3–4 minutes on the first side.
Turn gently and cook another 2–4 minutes, depending on thickness.
Brush the garlic butter over the fish while cooking.
The cod should become opaque and separate easily with a fork. Check that the thickest part reaches 63°C (145°F).
Avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if necessary.
Step 5: Make the creamy lemon sauce
Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
Add minced garlic.
Cook for 30 seconds.
Pour in the broth and heavy cream.
Stir gently.
Add lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper and salt.
Add Italian herbs.
Stir in Parmesan if desired.
Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Finish with fresh parsley.
Do not boil vigorously after adding the cream.
Step 6: Assemble the dish
California Fish Grill Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe: Restaurant-Quality Flavor at Home
Spread the creamy lemon sauce over a serving plate.
Arrange the golden cod strips on top.
Spoon additional garlic butter over the fish.
Sprinkle fresh parsley.
Add lemon slices.
Finish with cracked black pepper.
Your Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Lemon Sauce are ready!
4. Nutrition information
Estimated nutrition per serving
The following estimates assume four servings and include the creamy sauce and Parmesan.
Nutrient
Per serving
Calories
430 kcal
Protein
39 g
Total fat
28 g
Saturated fat
15 g
Carbohydrates
4 g
Dietary fiber
0.3 g
Total sugars
1.5 g
Cholesterol
145 mg
Sodium
650 mg
Potassium
650 mg
Values are approximate and vary with fish size, butter, cream, Parmesan and seasoning brands.
5. Complete nutrition facts
Nutrient
Nutritional benefit
Protein
Supports muscle growth and repair
Omega-3 fats
Support cardiovascular health
Vitamin B12
Supports nerve function and red blood cell production
Selenium
Supports normal thyroid and antioxidant function
Phosphorus
Supports bones and teeth
Vitamin D
Supports bone health
Potassium
Supports normal muscle and nerve function
Vitamin C
Supports collagen production and iron absorption
6. Allergen information
Naturally nut-free recipe
Allergen
Present?
Fish
Yes – cod
Milk/dairy
Yes – butter, cream, Parmesan
Peanuts
No
Tree nuts
No
Eggs
No
Soy
Usually no; check labels
Wheat/gluten
No, if broth and seasonings are gluten-free
Shellfish
No
Important: This recipe is nut-free based on its listed ingredients, but always check ingredient labels and cross-contact warnings if cooking for someone with a severe allergy.
7. Serving suggestions
Garlic Butter Cod with Lemon Asparagus Skillet Recipe | Samsung Food App
Creamy Garlic Butter Lemon Cod: A Lenten Delight with a Flavorful Twist
Lemon Herb Baked Cod with Steamed Broccoli and Brown Rice
Serve with:
Garlic mashed potatoes.
Steamed broccoli.
Roasted asparagus.
Lemon herb rice.
Fresh garden salad.
Cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.
Grilled vegetables.
8. Storage and reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked cod for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating: Warm gently in a covered pan over low heat with a splash of broth.
Microwave: Reheat in short intervals at reduced power.
Avoid overheating because cod can become dry and rubbery. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
9. Frequently asked questions (Q&A)
Q1. Can I use frozen cod?
Yes. Thaw completely in the refrigerator and pat dry before seasoning.
Q2. Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?
Yes. Substitute evaporated milk or unsweetened coconut milk. The taste and texture will change slightly.
Q3. Can I bake the cod instead of frying it?
Yes. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for approximately 10–15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the fish reaches 63°C (145°F).
Q4. How do I prevent cod from breaking apart?
Dry the fish thoroughly.
Cut thicker strips.
Avoid moving the fish repeatedly.
Use a wide spatula.
Turn only once if possible.
Q5. Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes. Prepare it up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Reheat gently while stirring.
Q6. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
It can fit a low-carb or keto-style meal plan. Check the nutrition information and use a low-carbohydrate broth.
Q7. Can I use tilapia instead of cod?
Yes. Tilapia works well, although it has a slightly different texture and flavor.
Q8. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes. Use dairy-free butter and an unsweetened plant-based cooking cream.
Q9. Why does my lemon sauce taste bitter?
Possible reasons include:
Too much lemon zest, especially the white pith.
Burnt garlic.
Excessive cooking of lemon juice.
Use fresh lemon juice and cook the garlic gently.
Q10. How can I get the beautiful charred appearance in the picture?
Use a hot grill pan, dry fish thoroughly, apply a thin layer of oil, and avoid moving the strips too frequently. Do not sacrifice safe cooking temperature to achieve darker grill marks.
10. Chef’s secret tips
Use fresh cod for the best flavor and texture.
Dry the fish before applying seasoning.
Add smoked paprika for a beautiful golden-red color.
Use fresh garlic rather than garlic powder for the butter sauce.
Add lemon juice at the end to preserve its fresh flavor.
Finish with fresh parsley for restaurant-style presentation.
Serve immediately while the fish is tender and the sauce is warm.
11. Recipe summary
Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe | cookAIfood
Garlic Butter Cod Strips with Lemon Sauce
430 kcal
Estimated per serving
Servings: 4
Total time: 30 minutes
Protein: 39 g
Carbohydrates: 4 g
Nut-free ingredients
Rich garlic butter flavor with fresh lemon and herbs
My recommendation: For the closest result to your photograph, use thick cod strips, smoked paprika, fresh garlic butter, and a creamy lemon-Parmesan sauce. Arrange the strips over the sauce rather than pouring all the sauce over the top, so the beautiful golden grilled fish remains visible.
