Cajun Garlic Butter Cod
A rich and zesty dish, Cajun Garlic Butter Cod features tender cod fillets in a buttery Cajun sauce, perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions alike.
Ingredients
For the Fish
- 4 pieces cod fillets or cod loin
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil for frying
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter for frying
For the Sauce
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pcs shallot finely chopped
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp chili flakes
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Vegetables
- 8 oz asparagus
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley more for serving
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Cajun seasoning. Set aside.
- Finely chop the shallot, mince the garlic, and chop the parsley. If your asparagus is large, cut it in half lengthwise.
Cooking
- In a nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cod fillets and sear for 3 minutes. Carefully turn the fillets and cook for an additional 2 minutes or until cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and place on a clean plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and shallots. Sauté for about 2 minutes until soft and fragrant. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, sage, paprika, and chili flakes. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the remaining butter and stir until melted.
- Toss in the asparagus and parsley, cooking for about 3 minutes until the asparagus is tender yet crisp.
- Return the cod fillets to the skillet and simmer for 3 minutes or until just heated through. Drizzle with lemon juice, garnish with additional parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
For crispier skin, let the cod fillets rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking. Keep a close eye on cooking times, as thin cod fillets can quickly overcook and become dry. Feel free to tweak the spice levels in the Cajun seasoning to suit your taste preferences.