Lemon Butter Cod with Cherry Tomatoes

Lemon Butter Cod with Cherry Tomatoes

ByVerj Recipes

This is one of those dinners that feels like a deep breath. Light, bright, and comforting in the most effortless way. Lemon butter cod with cherry tomatoes is what I make when I want something that tastes fresh and a little fancy… but I also don’t want to spend the whole night cooking.

The cod turns beautifully flaky with a gentle golden crust, and the sauce is pure happiness: buttery, garlicky, and kissed with lemon zest so it smells like sunshine the second it hits the pan. Then the cherry tomatoes soften just enough to get juicy and sweet, creating little pops of flavor that mingle with the lemon butter like they were meant to be there all along.

It’s quick. It’s cozy. And it’s the kind of meal that makes you want to grab a spoon and “taste test” the sauce one more time (and then maybe one more after that).

Lemon Butter Cod with Cherry Tomatoes

Ingredients

For the Cod

  • 4 cod fillets (6 ounces each)

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Lemon Butter Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

  • Juice of 1 large lemon

  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

  • 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Tomatoes

  • 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Season the Cod

Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. This helps them sear instead of steaming.
Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.

2. Sear the Fish

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the cod and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and opaque.

Be gentle when flipping — cod is tender and likes to break if you rush it.
Once done, remove the fillets and set them aside.

3. Start the Lemon Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
(That garlicky smell is your cue to keep going — don’t let it brown.)

4. Add Brightness and Depth

Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them.
Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until it reduces slightly and the flavors come together.

5. Cook the Cherry Tomatoes

Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Cook for 3–4 minutes until they soften and get glossy, but still hold their shape.
They should look juicy and a little jammy around the edges.

6. Return the Cod

Nestle the cod back into the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the top.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes, just until the fish is warmed through and everything looks silky.

7. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve right away.

Presentation Tips

  • Spoon plenty of sauce over each fillet and let a few tomatoes tumble onto the plate — it looks naturally beautiful and colorful.

  • Add an extra pinch of lemon zest on top for a fresh, bright finish.

  • Serve with rice, pasta, or crusty bread (highly recommended) to soak up every buttery, lemony drop.

  • If you want it to feel extra special, serve it in shallow bowls so the sauce pools around the fish like a little moat of goodness.

Nutritional Information:

  • ⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes

  • 🔥 Kcal: Approximately 380 kcal per serving | 🍽️ Servings: 4 servings

Conclusion

Lemon Butter Cod with Cherry Tomatoes is proof that simple ingredients can taste truly special. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, light enough to feel fresh, and cozy enough to satisfy that comfort-food craving — all in one skillet.

If you’ve got cod and a lemon sitting around, this is your sign. Make it soon, pour yourself something refreshing, and don’t forget the bread for that sauce.

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