So I have a lot of salmon recipes and my family decided they needed a change. And cod was that change. This recipe is easy. Looks like a lot of ingredients but trust me it’s easy and most importantly, delicious!

The top benefits of eating cod fish include its ability to protect skin health, reduce Alzheimer’s risk, prevent diabetes, fight cancer, boost immunity and improve heart health, among many others. You can read more about the health benefits of cod here.

  • 4 good-sized cod fillets
  • 3 tbsp melted butter
  • Juice and zest from 1 medium lemon
  • 1 tsp salt, plus extra to taste
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • Freshly chopped basil or parsley leaves, for garnish and flavor
  • Extra lemon slices for serving
  1. Use paper towels to thoroughly pat-dry excess moisture from fish fillets – this step is crucial for fish to brown nicely in pan and set aside.
  2. In a bowl, combine melted butter, lemon juice and zest, and 1/2 tsp salt. Stir to combine well. Taste and add a bit more kosher salt, if desired.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 tsp salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
  4. Evenly press spice mixture onto all sides of fish fillets.
  5. In a large, heavy pan over medium high heat, heat up the olive oil until hot.
  6. Once your oil is sizzling,  cook 2 fish fillets at a time to avoid overcrowding (allows for even browning.)
  7. Cook each side just until fish becomes opaque (about 3-4 minutes), feels somewhat firm in the center, and is browned – lightly drizzle some of the lemon butter sauce as you cook, reserving the rest for serving.
  8. Take care not to over-cook, as that will result in a tougher texture.
  9. Serve fish with with remaining lemon butter sauce, basil or parsley, and lemon wedges.