Description

This garlic butter cod with lemon asparagus skillet is a light yet flavorful one-pan dish. It features tender cod fillets cooked in a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce, complemented by crisp-tender asparagus, all brightened with a splash of fresh lemon juice. Perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)

Salt and pepper, to taste

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

1 lemon (zested and juiced)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon dried parsley or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Optional: lemon wedges for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Pat the cod fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and olive oil over medium heat.
Add the cod fillets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove the cod from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Add the asparagus pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp.
Stir in the lemon zest and juice, and sprinkle with parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Return the cod fillets to the skillet to warm through briefly with the asparagus.
Serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

For a richer version, you can use ghee or olive oil in place of butter.

If you prefer a heartier dish, serve the skillet meal over cauliflower rice or quinoa.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Use frozen cod if needed, but ensure it is thawed and patted dry before cooking.

For variations, try adding cherry tomatoes, zucchini, green beans, or spinach to the skillet.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 fillet with asparagus
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 330mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 85mg