Go Back
To begin crafting the perfect Lemon Butter Cod, it's essential to focus on the quality and preparation of your cod fillets. Start by selecting fresh cod from your local fish market or grocery store. Fresh fish will have a mild scent of the ocean and firm flesh.

Lemon Butter Cod with Zucchini

Discover the vibrant flavors of Lemon Butter Cod with Zucchini, a delightful and healthy dinner recipe perfect for any occasion. This one-pan meal combines flaky cod with tender zucchini in a zesty lemon butter sauce, making cooking and clean-up a breeze. Packed with protein and nutrients, this dish not only satisfies the taste buds but also supports your health goals. Elevate your weeknight dinners with this easy-to-follow recipe that delivers both flavor and nutrition!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 boneless cod fillets (approximately 6 oz each)

2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

Juice and zest of 1 large lemon

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Lemon wedges, for a zesty serving

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it's hot when the dish is ready to bake.

    Prepare the Cod: Take the cod fillets and pat them dry using a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a nice sear. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

      Cook the Zucchini: In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced zucchini. Sauté the zucchini for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and develop a slight golden color.

        Add Garlic and Butter: Carefully push the sautéed zucchini to one side of the skillet. In the vacant space, add the unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, being careful not to burn it, until it's fragrant.

          Incorporate Lemon: Once the garlic is aromatic, pour in the lemon juice and add the zest. Stir everything together, ensuring the zucchini is well-coated with the delicious lemon-butter mixture.

            Place Cod in Skillet: Gently nestle the seasoned cod fillets among the zucchini in the skillet. Spoon some of the lemon butter sauce over each fillet, ensuring they are well-covered.

              Bake: Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork.

                Serve: Once baking is complete, carefully remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for a moment. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the cod with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty touch.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4