Flaky, golden-browned cod fillet served over a bed of sautéed garlic spinach and finished with a velvety garlic butter sauce—simple, elegant, and bursting with flavor in every bite. This dish brings together clean, fresh ingredients for a refined seafood entrée that’s quick enough for weeknights but impressive enough for entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pan-seared cod with garlic butter spinach is a beautifully balanced dish. The mild, tender fish contrasts perfectly with the bold flavor of garlic and the earthiness of wilted spinach. The lemon-garlic butter sauce ties everything together with a rich, zesty finish. It’s a nutritious and protein-packed recipe that’s low-carb, gluten-free, and made in under 30 minutes.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cod:
2 cod fillets (6 oz each)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter

For the garlic butter spinach:
1 tablespoon butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups fresh baby spinach
Salt and pepper to taste

For the garlic butter sauce:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Salt and black pepper to taste

directions

1. Pat cod fillets dry using paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the cod fillets for 3–4 minutes on each side, until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon butter and sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add baby spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes until just wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
6. To make the sauce, melt 3 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
7. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add lemon juice, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
8. To serve, plate the garlic butter spinach, top with the seared cod, and drizzle generously with the garlic butter sauce.
9. Serve immediately, with a lemon wedge if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 2 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add Capers: Sprinkle capers over the cod for a briny contrast.
• Make It Creamy: Add a splash of cream to the garlic butter sauce for a richer version.
• Use Other Greens: Substitute spinach with Swiss chard, kale, or arugula.
• Citrus Swap: Use lime juice instead of lemon for a slightly different brightness.
• Herb Mix: Add thyme or dill along with parsley for a more aromatic sauce.

storage/reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, gently warm the cod and spinach in a skillet over low heat until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the cod, as it can dry out quickly. The garlic butter sauce can be reheated separately in a saucepan or microwave at low power.

This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the delicate texture of the cod and the spinach.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod fillets?

Yes, just make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking to ensure a good sear.

What type of pan is best for searing cod?

A nonstick skillet or well-seasoned cast iron pan works best to prevent the fish from sticking and breaking apart.

Can I substitute another fish for cod?

Yes, haddock, halibut, or tilapia are good alternatives.

How do I know when the cod is cooked through?

The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Can I use pre-washed bagged spinach?

Yes, baby spinach from a bag is convenient and works perfectly.

Is this dish keto-friendly?

Yes, it is naturally low in carbohydrates and fits well into a keto or low-carb diet.

What sides go well with this recipe?

Try roasted potatoes, steamed rice, or a crisp salad.

Can I prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?

Yes, it can be made a day in advance and gently reheated before serving.

Does the sauce need thickening?

No, the garlic butter sauce is intended to be light and silky without any added thickeners.

How do I keep the cod from falling apart in the pan?

Avoid moving the fish too early—let it form a crust before flipping, and use a fish spatula for delicate handling.

Conclusion

Pan-seared cod with garlic butter spinach is a refined yet approachable seafood dish that’s perfect for home cooks looking for something light, flavorful, and easy to prepare. With its crisp golden sear, savory sautéed greens, and bright garlic butter sauce, this recipe delivers both elegance and simplicity—ideal for any night of the week.

Print