This delightful dish combines the rich flavors of butter and lemon with tender cod fillets, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or when entertaining guests. The creamy lemon butter sauce is what sets this recipe apart, providing a zesty and indulgent finish that complements the mildness of the cod beautifully.
Rinse the cod fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper generously.
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the cod fillets to the skillet. Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
Once the cod is seared, add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt and bubble around the fish. Spoon some of the melted butter over the cod.
In a separate saucepan, melt the remaining 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Pour the lemon butter sauce over the cod fillets in the skillet. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork.
Once cooked, remove from the oven and serve hot, drizzled with extra sauce and garnished with additional fresh parsley.
