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Quick Zesty Lemon Butter Cod Recipe with Broccoli

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A quick and easy dinner featuring flaky cod fillets cooked in a tangy lemon butter sauce paired with roasted broccoli. Perfect for busy weeknights and packed with fresh, simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each), fresh or thawed
  • 4 tablespoons (about 60 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • Fresh lemon juice from 1 large lemon (about 2 tablespoons / 30 ml)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets (about 4 cups / 300 g)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, about ½ teaspoon (1 g)
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, about ½ teaspoon sea salt (3 g), and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (0.5 g). Spread evenly on a baking sheet.
  3. Roast broccoli in the oven for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through for even cooking and crispy edges.
  4. While broccoli roasts, mix softened butter with minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of sea salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
  5. Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with about ¼ teaspoon sea salt (1.5 g) and ¼ teaspoon black pepper (0.5 g).
  6. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the lemon butter mixture and melt slowly, stirring gently to avoid burning garlic.
  7. Add cod fillets to the pan, skin side down if applicable. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a golden crust forms.
  8. Flip fillets gently and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes, spooning lemon butter sauce over the fish as it cooks. Fish should be opaque and flake easily.
  9. Optional: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or chopped fresh parsley over the fish before serving.

Notes

Pat the cod dry to ensure a good sear and avoid steaming. Melt butter slowly to prevent burning garlic. Roast broccoli in a single layer and stir halfway for even caramelization. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. The lemon butter sauce can be prepared ahead and warmed gently before cooking. For dairy-free, substitute butter with plant-based alternatives. Leftovers keep well for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Keywords: cod recipe, lemon butter cod, roasted broccoli, quick dinner, easy seafood, healthy dinner, weeknight meal, gluten-free, dairy-free option

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/quick-zesty-lemon-butter-cod-recipe-with-broccoli-easy-homemade-dinner/