Broiled cod is an easy, fast dinner solution that works well for weeknights and family meals. This naturally gluten-free recipe can be made dairy-free with a simple swap and relies on just a handful of common ingredients. Cod fillets cook quickly under the broiler, producing flaky, tender fish with a bright butter, garlic, and lemon flavor in about ten minutes of cooking time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast: From prep to plate in roughly 12–15 minutes — cod cooks quickly under the broiler.
- Simple: Only seven main ingredients are required, most of which are pantry staples.
- Versatile: Serve the fillets as a main course, flake them into salads, or add to pasta dishes; the seasoning adapts easily.
- Healthy: Cod is a lean source of protein and fits gluten-free, paleo, Whole30, and low-carb diets when prepared simply.
- Delicious: The combination of butter (or an alternative), garlic, and lemon keeps the flavor bright and satisfying without masking the fish.
Ingredients for Broiled Cod
This recipe is written for about 1 pound of cod fillets (roughly four average fillets). You’ll also need butter (or a dairy-free substitute), garlic, lemon juice, onion powder, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Lemon slices are optional but great for serving.
- 1 pound cod fillets (about 4 fillets)
- 4 tablespoons butter (or ghee, olive oil, or vegan butter)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1½ tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2–3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: lemon slices for garnish
Dairy-free option: Swap butter for ghee, olive oil, or a plant-based butter and follow the same steps.
How to Broil Cod
- Position an oven rack so it sits about 6 inches below the broiler element. Preheat the broiler.
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat a cast-iron or oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter (or chosen fat). When melted, add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, about 20–30 seconds. Stir in the lemon juice and onion powder.
- Place the fillets in the skillet and sear for about 1 minute. Carefully flip each fillet so the seared side faces down, then transfer the skillet to the oven under the broiler.
- Broil for 7–10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Start checking at around 7 minutes for thinner cuts. The fish is done when it flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature in the range of 130–140°F (54–60°C).
- Remove the skillet from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices, and add more salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately.
Serving and Storing Instructions
Serve broiled cod with a side of roasted vegetables, steamed greens, or potatoes for a heartier meal. A simple green salad or a lemony grain salad also pairs nicely. Squeeze extra lemon over the fillets at the table to brighten the flavors.
To store leftovers, let the fish cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. Properly stored, cooked cod will keep for up to four days. Reheat gently to avoid drying the fillets—briefly in a low oven or warmed in a skillet with a splash of oil or butter works best.
Other Seafood Recipes You’ll Love
- Pan seared sea bass
- Air fryer mahi mahi
- Cajun salmon pasta
- Broiled haddock
- Spicy salmon bowl
- Smoked tuna dip
- Whole30 bang bang shrimp
- Shrimp-stuffed salmon
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