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Old Bay Garlic Butter Cod - featured image

Old Bay Garlic Butter Cod: Easy 20-Minute Weeknight Dinner

  • Author: angela_woods
  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A quick and flavorful weeknight dinner featuring thick-cut cod fillets seared to perfection and bathed in a rich, savory garlic butter sauce infused with Old Bay seasoning and lemon.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cod fillets (6–8 oz each, thick-cut)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4–5 medium garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning (divided)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
  • 1 medium lemon, juiced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning.
  2. Heat a large skillet (preferably stainless steel or cast iron) over medium-high heat and add olive oil until it shimmers.
  3. Place cod fillets in the pan without crowding. Sear for 3-4 minutes on the first side until a golden-brown crust forms.
  4. Flip fillets gently and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. Remove fish from pan and set aside on a plate, covering loosely with foil.
  5. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same pan and let it melt and foam slightly.
  6. Add minced garlic and the remaining 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning. Stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  7. Pour in white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  8. Remove pan from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Return cod fillets to the pan and spoon the warm garlic butter sauce over the top. Serve immediately.

Notes

Patting the fish dry is crucial for a good sear. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Old Bay seasoning is naturally gluten-free, but always check labels. For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with olive oil. Cod is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), though many chefs prefer removing it at 135°F for juiciness.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 1
  • Sodium: 450
  • Fat: 15
  • Saturated Fat: 8
  • Carbohydrates: 2
  • Protein: 25

Keywords: Old Bay, garlic butter cod, weeknight dinner, seafood recipe, quick fish, healthy dinner, gluten-free

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Find it online: https://plateory.com/old-bay-garlic-butter-cod-easy-20-minute-weeknight-dinner/