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Flavorful Lemon Butter Cod Recipe with Crispy Asparagus

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A quick and easy recipe featuring tender cod fillets cooked in a lemon butter sauce paired with crispy roasted asparagus. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each), skinless and boneless
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 lb / 450 g), trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash and trim asparagus by snapping off woody ends. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 12-15 minutes until tender but still crisp.
  2. Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and slightly bubbling. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Carefully place cod fillets in the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side without moving to form a golden crust.
  5. Gently flip fillets. Pour lemon juice and sprinkle lemon zest over fish. Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter on top, letting it melt and baste the fish. Cook another 3-4 minutes until fish flakes easily and is opaque inside.
  6. Remove fish from pan and spoon lemon butter sauce over each fillet. Sprinkle with chopped parsley.
  7. Serve cod alongside crispy roasted asparagus with lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Pat the cod dry before cooking to ensure a good sear. Cook fillets in batches if pan is small to avoid steaming. Use medium heat to prevent burning butter. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter. If cod fillets are thick, add 1-2 minutes to cooking time. Leftovers store well refrigerated for 2 days and freeze up to 1 month.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon butter cod, crispy asparagus, easy fish recipe, quick dinner, healthy seafood, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/flavorful-lemon-butter-cod-recipe-with-crispy-asparagus-easy-and-perfect/