If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances fresh, zesty flavors with comforting, hearty textures, this Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Potatoes recipe is your new go-to. Imagine tender, flaky cod fillets infused with a luscious lemon garlic butter sauce, paired with golden, crispy baby potatoes that have been roasted to perfection. It’s a simple yet elegant meal that feels special enough for company but straightforward enough for a weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s packed with bright, vibrant flavors that will leave you wanting more!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Potatoes is an absolute crowd-pleaser and here’s why:
- Fresh and Flavorful: The lemon and garlic elevate the cod with a bright, savory punch that’s irresistible.
- Simple Ingredients: Using pantry staples like butter, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs means you can whip this up anytime.
- Perfect Texture Combo: Crispy, golden potatoes paired with buttery, flaky fish hit all the right notes.
- One-pan Friendly: You can streamline your cooking and cleanup by roasting the potatoes while you prepare the cod.
- Adaptable Recipe: Whether you’re cooking for two or four, this recipe scales beautifully and allows for easy tweaks.
Ingredient Checklist
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
What You’ll Need (Gear)
- Oven-safe skillet or baking sheet – perfect for roasting potatoes and baking cod.
- Mixing bowl – to toss your potatoes with oil and seasonings.
- Knife and cutting board – for prepping garlic, lemon, and herbs.
- Spatula or tongs – to flip and serve the cod fillets.
- Zester or microplane – to zest your lemon for maximum citrus flavor.
Cook Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Potatoes Like This
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a mixing bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, pepper, and half of the minced garlic. Spread the potatoes cut side down on a baking sheet or oven-safe skillet. Roast for about 25-30 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside, tender inside.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
While the potatoes roast, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the remaining garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh thyme leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Cod Fillets
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Once the potatoes are roasted, create space on the baking sheet or transfer them to a plate temporarily. Place the cod fillets skin-side down on the skillet or baking sheet. Spoon the lemon garlic butter sauce over each fillet generously.
Step 4: Bake Everything Together
Return the skillet or baking sheet with cod and potatoes to the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The timing will vary slightly depending on the thickness of your fillets.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the cod with the crispy potatoes alongside, spooning any extra lemon garlic butter sauce over the top for maximum flavor.
Customize for Your Needs
- Swap the Fish: Try this recipe with other flaky white fish like tilapia or haddock if cod isn’t available.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter sauce for a gentle heat kick.
- Herb Variations: Substitute thyme with rosemary or dill for a different herbal profile.
- Make it Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Use Sweet Potatoes: For a twist, roast sweet potatoes instead of baby potatoes for a slightly sweeter side.
Watch Outs & How to Fix
- Potatoes Not Crispy: Make sure to roast the potatoes cut side down and avoid overcrowding the pan to allow them to crisp up.
- Fish Overcooked: Cod cooks quickly; check at 10 minutes to prevent drying out. The fish should flake easily but remain moist.
- Butter Sauce Too Salty: Taste as you go and add salt gradually, especially if your butter is salted.
- Garlic Burns: When sautéing garlic for the butter sauce, keep the heat moderate to avoid bitterness.
Best Ways to Store
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat to keep the cod moist and the potatoes crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make the potatoes soggy and the fish dry.
Handy Q&A
Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw the cod completely and pat it dry before cooking. This helps the fillets cook evenly and absorb the lemon garlic butter sauce better.
What if I don’t have fresh thyme?
Dried thyme can be used, but reduce the amount by half since dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, fresh rosemary or oregano also pairs well with lemon and garlic.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or a plant-based spread. The flavor will still be delicious with the garlic and lemon.
What side dishes go well with this meal?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. For something heartier, try Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs With Rice Pilaf for a complementary protein-packed option.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken Garlic Potatoes – another zesty, comforting dish featuring crispy potatoes.
- Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Gnocchi – a luscious seafood option with bright lemon notes.
- Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs With Rice Pilaf – a savory, buttery chicken recipe that’s easy and flavorful.
Hungry for More?
If you loved this Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Potatoes, keep exploring recipes that bring bold flavors and simple preparation to your table. From skillet dinners to roasted vegetable sides, there’s a whole world of delicious meals waiting for you to discover and enjoy. Cooking at home can be effortless and exciting when you have the right recipes in hand—so grab your ingredients and get ready to impress with every bite!
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Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a mixing bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, pepper, and half of the minced garlic. Spread the potatoes cut side down on a baking sheet or oven-safe skillet. Roast for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the outside, tender inside.
- While the potatoes roast, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the remaining garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh thyme leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Once the potatoes are roasted, create space on the baking sheet or transfer them to a plate temporarily. Place the cod fillets skin-side down on the skillet or baking sheet. Spoon the lemon garlic butter sauce over each fillet generously.
- Return the skillet or baking sheet with cod and potatoes to the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the cod with the crispy potatoes alongside, spooning any extra lemon garlic butter sauce over the top for maximum flavor.
Notes
- Make sure to roast the potatoes cut side down and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure crispiness.
- Check the cod at 10 minutes to avoid overcooking and drying out the fish.
- Taste the butter sauce as you go to prevent it from becoming too salty, especially if using salted butter.
- Keep heat moderate when sautéing garlic to prevent bitterness from burning.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat gently in a skillet to maintain texture.
