Creamy Garlic Butter Lemon Cod: A Lenten Delight with a Flavorful Twist

Pan Seared Cod in Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce

If you’re like me, you’re always looking for a way to jazz up seafood, especially during Lent when fish becomes a staple on the menu. Now, I love my comfort foods, but I also know that eating more fish is a good move for my health (and hey, it’s a great excuse to make something delicious!). Enter this Creamy Garlic Butter Lemon Cod; a dish so flavorful and rich that you might just forget you’re making a healthy choice.

Why Cod? Because It's the Unsung Hero of the Sea

Let’s talk about cod for a second. It’s mild, it’s flaky, and it soaks up flavor like a sponge (but, you know, in a much tastier way). It’s also a great source of lean protein, packed with omega-3 fatty acids, and low in fat, making it a heart-healthy choice. Plus, it’s versatile—you can bake it, fry it, grill it, or, in this case, drown it in a luscious garlic butter sauce that will have you licking your plate. No judgment here!

The Secret Sauce (Literally!)

Now, I started with a simple garlic butter sauce, but then I thought why stop there? So, I threw in some lemon for brightness, a little white wine, and a splash of heavy cream to bring everything together in the most luxurious way. And because I love layers of flavor, I seasoned the cod with a mix of onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and oregano. Trust me, this is the kind of fish dish that even non-fish lovers will devour.

How to Make It

Ingredients:

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• Salt to taste

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, but recommended for a kick)

• ½ tsp dried oregano (or thyme)

• ½ tsp smoked paprika (for depth)

• 1 lemon (juiced + ½ lemon sliced for garnish)

• ¼ cup white wine

• 1 tbsp heavy cream

• 1 tbsp capers (optional, but they add a nice briny touch)

• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Season the cod – Pat the fillets dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and oregano.

2. Sear the fish – Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the cod fillets and cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown. Carefully flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Make the sauce – In the same pan, melt the butter, then add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and capers (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Deglaze – Pour in the white wine and let it reduce for 1-2 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and heavy cream, mixing well to create a smooth, creamy sauce.

5. Finish the dish – Return the cod to the pan, spoon the sauce over the fillets, and let them warm for about 2 minutes until heated through.

6. Garnish & serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon slices.

How to Serve It Up

This dish begs for something that can soak up all that luscious sauce, so I highly recommend serving it over buttery mashed potatoes, rice, or even some angel hair pasta. For a lighter option, roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach will do the trick beautifully.

Final Thoughts

If you’re observing Lent and need more fish dishes in your life, this Creamy Garlic Butter Lemon Cod is about to become your new best friend. Even if you’re not religiously motivated, your taste buds (and heart health) will thank you for making this dish a regular on your menu.

So, go ahead and grab some cod, whip up this sauce, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. And if you find yourself scooping up extra sauce with a spoon, just know you’re not alone. Happy cooking!