Description
Creamy Garlic Butter Cod with Peppers
Brighten up your dinner with this creamy cod recipe, featuring zesty lemon and a rich garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients:
4 cod fillets
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup diced red and orange bell peppers
1 tsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a skillet. Season cod with salt and pepper, then cook for 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from skillet.
Add butter and garlic, sauté until fragrant. Stir in cream, bell peppers, and lemon juice.
Simmer for 2 minutes, then return cod to the skillet. Garnish with lemon slices and serve warm.
#ZestyCod
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results every time.
- Prep the Ingredients: Pat the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels. This ensures a good sear. Mince the garlic and dice the bell peppers.
- Sear the Cod: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the cod fillets generously with salt and pepper. Once the oil is shimmering, add the fillets. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden. Flip carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
- Build the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—do not let it brown. Pour in the heavy cream, add the diced bell peppers and lemon juice. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Simmer and Combine: Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 minutes to thicken slightly and soften the peppers. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
- Finish the Dish: Return the cod fillets to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Let everything heat through for 1-2 minutes. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to create a complete meal.
- For a Light Meal: Serve over a bed of fresh spinach or arugula, which will wilt slightly from the warm sauce.
- Classic Pairings: Buttery mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or creamy polenta are perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Healthy Options: Steamed asparagus, roasted broccoli, or zucchini noodles make excellent low-carb accompaniments.
- Garnish Boost: Add a final sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
How-to Summary
Quickly sear seasoned cod fillets. Set aside. In the same pan, make a creamy garlic butter sauce with bell peppers and lemon. Simmer, return the cod to the sauce to warm through, and serve immediately with your chosen sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cod? Yes, but fully thaw it in the refrigerator first and pat it extremely dry to prevent excess water from diluting the sauce.
What can I substitute for heavy cream? Full-fat coconut milk is a great dairy-free alternative that maintains creaminess. For a lighter version, half-and-half works, but the sauce will be thinner.
How do I know when the cod is cooked? The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I make this sauce ahead of time? You can prepare the base sauce (garlic, cream, peppers) ahead, but reheat it gently before adding the freshly cooked cod to avoid overcooking the fish.
What other fish can I use? This method works well with other firm, white fish like halibut, haddock, or sea bass.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Drying the Cod: Wet fish will steam instead of sear, resulting in a less flavorful crust.
- Overcooking the Garlic: Burnt garlic turns bitter. Sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Cook the cod in batches if necessary. Crowding lowers the pan’s temperature and leads to steaming.
- Boiling the Sauce: After adding the cream, keep the heat at a gentle simmer. A rolling boil can cause the sauce to separate or become greasy.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Butter Cod with Peppers is a restaurant-quality dish that is deceptively simple to make at home. In under 30 minutes, you can create a flavorful, elegant meal with a luxurious sauce that delights the palate. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll achieve perfectly cooked, flaky cod enveloped in a rich, zesty sauce every time. It’s a guaranteed way to brighten up your dinner routine.
