Name: Pan Fried Garlic Butter Cod Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cod fillets, 3-4 ounces each; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil; ¼ cup dry white wine; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 teaspoons lemon juice; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; Fresh parsley for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 20 reviews

If you’re craving a meal that’s both elegant and incredibly easy to prepare, this Pan Fried Garlic Butter Cod Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture tender, flaky cod fillets pan-fried to perfection, then bathed in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce that’s kissed with a hint of lemon and a splash of dry white wine. It’s a flavor-packed dish that feels special but comes together in less than 20 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights or impressing guests without breaking a sweat. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will instantly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There is a white round plate near the top center holding four pieces of raw white fish with a slight pinkish tint and a smooth texture, arranged in a loose pile. Below the plate, several small clear glass bowls and a white bowl hold various ingredients: a white bowl with two yellow chunks of butter, a glass bowl with minced garlic, a glass with a clear yellow liquid (oil), a small glass bowl of salt, another with black pepper, a bowl with dried green herbs, a bowl with bright orange-red paprika, a bowl with light beige granules, and a metal measuring spoon holding red pepper flakes. The ingredients rest on a light gray surface with a white marbled texture. To the top right is a cloth with black and white checkered pattern and fresh green leafy herbs. At the bottom left, part of a wooden butter dish with a large yellow stick of butter and garlic cloves next to it can be seen. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Pan Fried Garlic Butter Cod Recipe plays a vital role, bringing a balance of flavor, texture, and color to the plate. From the subtle warmth of paprika to the brightness of fresh parsley, these essentials work in harmony to turn simple cod into a gourmet dish.

4 cod fillets, 3-4 ounces each: The star of the dish, fresh cod fillets should be dry and firm for the best results.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds a fragrant herbaceous note, enhancing the cod’s natural flavor.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a deep, savory garlic undertone that complements the butter sauce.
½ teaspoon paprika: Gives a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful color to the seasoning mix.
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Just the right touch of heat to awaken the palate.
¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the fish perfectly inside and out.
1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil: For a healthy, high-heat cooking base that crisps the cod beautifully.
¼ cup dry white wine: Adds acidity and depth, enhancing the garlic butter sauce.
2 tablespoons butter: The rich, creamy foundation of the luscious garlic butter sauce.
2 teaspoons lemon juice: A bright zing that balances the richness and lifts every bite.
2 teaspoons minced garlic: Fresh garlic added at the end for maximum flavor punch.
Fresh parsley for garnish: A pop of color and a fresh herbal finish.

How to Make Pan Fried Garlic Butter Cod Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Cod

Start by patting your cod fillets dry using a paper towel. Removing excess moisture is crucial for getting that beautiful golden crust when pan-frying. Next, mix together the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle this flavorful blend generously on both sides of each fillet, making sure every inch is well coated to build layers of taste in every bite.

Step 2: Heat the Pan and Cook the First Side

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add your chosen olive or avocado oil. Tilt the pan slightly to ensure the bottom is evenly coated. Place the seasoned cod fillets skin-side down if yours have skin, or simply one side down if skinless. Let the fish cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes. This will allow a gorgeous golden-brown crust to form, creating texture and locking in moisture.

Step 3: Flip the Cod and Add Sauce Ingredients

Gently flip each fillet using a spatula or tongs, taking care not to break the delicate flesh. When the fish is cooking on its second side, add the butter, lemon juice, and dry white wine directly into the pan. As the butter melts and the wine reduces, it creates a creamy, tangy sauce that you will spoon over the fish continuously, infusing it with flavor and keeping it moist as it cooks through.

Step 4: Cook Until Done and Finish with Garlic

Allow the cod to cook for another 3 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit—the sign of perfectly cooked fish. Remove the pan from heat, but keep it nearby! Stir in the minced garlic into the now aromatic sauce, and spoon this garlic butter mixture generously over the fillets, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley, and your masterpiece is ready.

How to Serve Pan Fried Garlic Butter Cod Recipe

A piece of cooked white fish with a crispy dark brown and black skin layer on top, showing tender, moist white flesh beneath. The fish rests on a smooth white plate next to two bright yellow lemon wedges on the left side. A golden fork is lifting a small piece of the fish, with some small bits of seasoning and herbs sprinkled on top of the fish. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred green plant in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is not just for looks—it adds a bright, herbal freshness that complements the richness of the garlic butter sauce. For an extra pop, add a few lemon wedges on the side so you and your guests can add an additional citrus hit as desired.

Side Dishes

Pairing this Pan Fried Garlic Butter Cod Recipe with simple sides will let the star of the show shine. Think light and fresh, like a crisp green salad, garlic roasted asparagus, or even some fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of that delicious sauce. Steamed rice or quinoa also work beautifully for a wholesome, balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your presentation by plating the cod over a bed of sautéed spinach or ribbons of zucchini noodles tossed in olive oil and lemon. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce artistically over the plate, and sprinkle extra parsley and a dusting of paprika for color contrast. A small bowl of the extra sauce on the side invites dipping, making the meal interactive and fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the cod fillets in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Keep the garlic butter sauce separate if you want to preserve its texture and freshness, reheating it gently before serving.

Freezing

Freezing cooked cod is possible but not ideal for maintaining the perfect flaky texture. If you do freeze leftovers, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Use within one month for the best taste, and note that the sauce may separate upon thawing.

Reheating

To reheat without drying out the cod, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, spooning some garlic butter sauce on top to keep it moist. Microwaving is faster but risks overcooking; if you use a microwave, heat in short bursts and cover to maintain moisture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

Absolutely! While this Pan Fried Garlic Butter Cod Recipe shines with cod’s firm, flaky texture, you can substitute with haddock, halibut, or even tilapia. Just adjust cooking times slightly for thickness and type of fish.

What if I don’t have white wine?

No worries—the wine adds acidity and depth, but you can substitute with low-sodium chicken broth or a squeeze of extra lemon juice. Either alternative maintains the sauce’s bright flavor.

How do I prevent the fish from sticking to the pan?

Ensuring your fish is patted dry and that the oil is hot enough before adding the fillets is key. Don’t try to move the fish too soon; let a crust form naturally. Using a non-stick skillet also helps tremendously.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

While the garlic butter sauce is best made fresh to keep the flavors vibrant, you can prepare all ingredients beforehand. Add fresh garlic at the end to preserve its pungency and aroma.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! All ingredients in this Pan Fried Garlic Butter Cod Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Final Thoughts

Cooking the Pan Fried Garlic Butter Cod Recipe is like giving yourself a mini culinary celebration any night of the week. It’s quick, simple, and delivers restaurant-quality flavors that feel indulgent yet comforting. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just starting out, this recipe promises a delicious, impressive dinner that everyone will ask for again and again. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!