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Homemade Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Potatoes photo

Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Potatoes

This Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Potatoes is fresh, flavorful, and perfectly crispy. A simple, elegant one-pan meal packed with bright, zesty goodness!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Equipment

  • Oven-safe skillet or baking sheet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Spatula or tongs
  • Zester or microplane

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.