Garlic Butter Cod with Lemon Asparagus Skillet is a light, flavorful meal that’s as healthy as it is delicious. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant date night dish, this recipe highlights the tender, flaky cod and the fresh, zesty notes of lemon paired with vibrant asparagus. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a perfect way to enjoy a wholesome, restaurant-quality dish at home.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (about 600g)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (about 28g)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (about 12g)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about 15g)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (about 2g)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces (about 400g)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (about 15g)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cod: Use paper towels to pat the cod fillets dry. Season both sides with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Sear the Cod: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cod fillets to the pan and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the fillets and set them aside on a plate.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the Asparagus: Increase the heat to medium and add the asparagus pieces to the skillet. Toss them in the garlic butter and cook for 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Add Lemon Flavor: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the mixture simmer for 1–2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Bring It Together: Place the cod fillets back into the skillet and drizzle the garlic butter sauce over them.Heat gently for 1–2 minutes. Plate the cod and asparagus together, drizzling any remaining sauce over the dish. Serve immediately.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Cod with Lemon Asparagus Skillet is a vibrant, satisfying dish that combines tender cod with crisp, flavorful asparagus in a buttery, garlicky sauce. The addition of lemon brightens the dish, making it perfect for spring or summer meals, but delicious year-round. A one-pan wonder, it’s both nutritious and easy to prepare, ideal for busy nights or special occasions.
Garlic Butter Cod with Lemon Asparagus Skillet
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets about 600g
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter about 28g
- 4 garlic cloves minced (about 12g)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice about 15g
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest about 2g
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bunch asparagus trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces (about 400g)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil about 15g
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Cod: Use paper towels to pat the cod fillets dry. Season both sides with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Sear the Cod: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cod fillets to the pan and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the fillets and set them aside on a plate.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the Asparagus: Increase the heat to medium and add the asparagus pieces to the skillet. Toss them in the garlic butter and cook for 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Add Lemon Flavor: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the mixture simmer for 1–2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Bring It Together: Place the cod fillets back into the skillet and drizzle the garlic butter sauce over them. Heat gently for 1–2 minutes. Plate the cod and asparagus together, drizzling any remaining sauce over the dish. Serve immediately.