I love everything about this dish but if I had to choose just ONE thing it would probably be the buttery and delicate cod. And the creamy mashed potatoes. Oh and the teeny tiny pops of asparagus that add the perfect texture and then the simple garlic, lemon butter sauce that you make right in the same pan and pour over top. Ok I realize that I listed all the ingredients of the dish but I think you might agree once you make this.

It’s also one of those dishes that is really fun to plate up! It feels kinda fancy. It tastes really fancy. But it’s easy to make and that’s my kinda dish, my friends.

How to Make Lemon Butter Cod:

Step One:

Pat dry the cod filets with paper towel to help ensure a crispy exterior. Season well with salt and pepper. Set to the side as we prepare the asparagus.

Step Two:

Finely chop the asparagus, removing the woody end at the bottom. In a pan over medium-high heat, add a knob of butter and sautée the chopped asparagus with some salt, pepper, and garlic powder for  3-4 minutes. Remove and set to the side.

Step Three:

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add olive oil and another knob of butter. Once melted, place the cod filets away from you in the pan and allow to sear for 3-4 minutes. Add in the garlic cloves and let them cook in the butter and oil as well.

Step Four:

Flip the cod and sear for another 3 minutes while basting with the garlic/butter/oil (or until it flakes apart easily and is fully cooked through). Remove and set to the side.

Step Five:

Add in the juice from half a lemon and another knob of butter and then stir until melted.

Step Six:

To plate, I like serving with mashed potatoes on the bottom, the flaky cod, then the chopped asparagus sprinkled over top. Finish with the lemon garlic butter sauce and option to garnish with chives, dill or parsley!

Tips for Choosing Cod:

Try and choose cod that is fresh and firm. If you can’t get fresh try and choose a high quality cod that is frozen. The smell should be fresh (and a bit briny) but should not have a strong or fishy odour. 

Substitutions for Lemon Butter Cod:

• Fish: If you can’t find cod, you can substitute with other mild-flavored white fish like haddock or halibut.
• Vegetables: Feel free to swap the asparagus with other seasonal vegetables like green beans or peas!
• Mashed Potatoes: While mashed potatoes provide a creamy base for the dish, you can also serve the cod over rice, quinoa, or even a bed of sautéed greens if you want.