Zesty Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Bowls With Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Zesty Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Bowl Recipe With Brussels Sprouts

The aroma of zesty lemon garlic butter cod wafts through the kitchen, promising a delightful culinary adventure.

Fresh cod fillets dance with bright, tangy flavors that spark excitement at mealtime.

Roasted brussels sprouts add a crisp, caramelized counterpoint to the tender fish.

Each bite combines rich, buttery notes with bright citrus undertones that make this dish truly remarkable.

Simple ingredients transform into an elegant meal that looks and tastes like something from a gourmet restaurant.

These cod bowls deliver restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Savor every moment of this delectable seafood experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients For Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Bowls With Roasted Brussels Sprouts

For Roasting:
  • Brussels Sprouts: Crispy, caramelized nuggets packed with earthy flavor, look for bright green and tightly closed sprouts.
  • Olive Oil: Helps Brussels sprouts achieve golden crunch and prevents sticking.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds depth and aromatic warmth without raw garlic intensity.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing vegetable's natural taste.
For Protein and Sauce:
  • Cod Fillets: Delicate, flaky white fish that absorbs flavors beautifully, choose fresh or sustainably sourced.
  • Flour: Optional light coating for extra crispy exterior and golden appearance.
  • Butter: Creates rich, silky sauce and helps fish develop gorgeous golden color.
  • Garlic: Adds intense, pungent flavor that complements seafood perfectly.
  • Lemon: Brightens dish with zesty acidity, use fresh for maximum flavor impact.
For Finishing and Serving:
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that adds vibrant color and light herbaceous note.
  • Rice, Quinoa: Neutral base that soaks up delicious garlic butter sauce.
  • Extra Lemon Juice: Optional bright finishing touch for extra zing.
  • Additional Butter Sauce: Luxurious option for extra richness.

Essential Tools For Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Bowls With Roasted Brussels Sprouts

  • Baking sheet: large, flat pan for roasting Brussels sprouts evenly.
  • Large skillet: essential for cooking cod with perfect golden crust.
  • Measuring spoons: for precise seasoning of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  • Cutting board: for chopping parsley and prepping ingredients.
  • Chef's knife: sharp tool for slicing lemon and chopping herbs.
  • Tongs: helpful for flipping Brussels sprouts and fish during cooking.
  • Lemon zester or grater: to remove lemon zest for extra flavor.
  • Spatula: for turning cod fillets gently in the skillet.

Cooking Instructions For Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Bowls With Roasted Brussels Sprouts

  • Prepare Brussels Sprouts

Blast Brussels sprouts with zesty seasonings and roast until they’re crispy-edged and golden. Toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then spread across a baking sheet. Slide into a hot oven and roast until they transform into crunchy, caramelized delights.

  • Pan-Sear Cod

Dry cod fillets and season with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet with olive oil and butter, then add minced garlic for a burst of flavor. Gently place cod into the pan and cook until it turns a beautiful golden color and flakes easily. Splash with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with bright lemon zest and chopped parsley.

  • Create Delicious Bowls

Build your culinary masterpiece by laying a foundation of fluffy rice or quinoa. Crown the base with roasted Brussels sprouts and perfectly cooked cod. Finish with an extra drizzle of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a restaurant-worthy meal that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Pro Tips & Creative Twists For Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Bowls

  • Smart Cooking Shortcuts: Use pre-trimmed Brussels sprouts to save chopping time and reduce kitchen prep.
  • Flour Power Trick: Dusting cod with flour creates a delicate golden crust and helps prevent sticking in the pan, ensuring perfectly seared fish.
  • Dairy-Free Swap: Replace butter with olive oil or coconut oil for a lactose-free version that maintains rich flavor and prevents fish from drying out.
  • Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or serve over sautéed spinach to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the dish's delicious profile.
  • Herb Boost: Experiment with different fresh herbs like dill, chives, or tarragon instead of parsley to add unique flavor dimensions and personalize the dish.

Ways To Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Bowls With Roasted Brussels Sprouts

  • Zesty Seafood Feast: Enhance your lemon garlic butter cod bowls with these delightful serving suggestions.
  • Citrus-Infused Rice Base: Boost your rice or quinoa by cooking it with lemon zest and a pinch of salt for an extra flavor punch that complements the cod's delicate taste.
  • Creamy Herb Drizzle: Whip up a quick sauce by mixing Greek yogurt, chopped fresh parsley, dill, and a squeeze of lemon to add a cool, tangy element that balances the rich garlic butter.
  • Mediterranean Side Kick: Serve alongside a small Greek salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta to bring brightness and freshness to the protein-packed main dish.
  • Crispy Garlic Chip Topping: Thinly slice garlic and quickly fry in olive oil until golden and crisp, then sprinkle over the cod for an extra layer of texture and intense garlic flavor.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips For Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Bowls

  • Quick Batch Prep: Chop Brussels sprouts and portion cod fillets in advance for speedy weeknight meals. Store prepped ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Keep leftover cod and roasted vegetables in sealed containers for 2-3 days. Recommend enjoying chilled or gently reheated to maintain fish's delicate texture and prevent overcooking.
  • Freezer-Friendly Tip: Freeze uncooked cod fillets wrapped tightly in plastic and freezer bags for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before cooking to ensure best quality and flavor retention.
  • Smart Ingredient Swap: When cod isn't available, substitute with similar white fish like halibut or haddock. These alternatives maintain similar cooking times and flavor profiles, offering flexibility in meal planning.
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Zesty Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Bowls With Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Zesty Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Bowls With Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe


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4.6 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Succulent lemon garlic butter cod brings Mediterranean flavors to this satisfying seafood bowl. Roasted brussels sprouts and zesty sauce complement tender fish, creating a balanced meal you’ll crave for weeknight dinners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680 g) cod fillets, cut into portions
  • 2 tbsps butter
  • 4 tbsps olive oil
  • 1 lbs (454 g) Brussels sprouts, halved
  • 2 cups cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsps all-purpose flour (optional, for light coating)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • Extra lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Vegetable Preparation: Meticulously trim and halve Brussels sprouts, ensuring uniform size. Coat thoroughly with olive oil, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
  2. Roasting Process: Spread Brussels sprouts cut-side down on a rimmed baking sheet, maintaining space between pieces. Roast in a preheated 425F oven for 20-25 minutes until edges caramelize into crispy, golden-brown perfection.
  3. Fish Preparation: Completely dry cod fillets with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper, creating a delicate protective layer.
  4. Cooking Technique: Activate a large skillet over medium heat with a harmonious blend of olive oil and butter. Introduce minced garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence briefly.
  5. Cod Searing: Gently place seasoned cod into the fragrant pan, developing a golden crust. Cook 3-4 minutes per side until fish becomes translucent and flakes effortlessly.
  6. Flavor Enhancement: Illuminate the dish with a vibrant lemon juice squeeze. Scatter lemon zest and chopped parsley across the surface. Tenderly drizzle infused garlic butter over the cod.
  7. Plating Composition: Create a foundation of fluffy rice or quinoa. Artfully arrange roasted Brussels sprouts and perfectly cooked cod atop the grains.
  8. Final Flourish: Complete the culinary masterpiece with an additional lemon juice drizzle and a final parsley sprinkle, transforming the dish into a visually stunning and flavor-packed meal.

Notes

  • Ensure Even Brussels Sprouts: Cut sprouts uniformly to guarantee consistent roasting and prevent uneven caramelization. Smaller, similar-sized pieces cook more predictably.
  • Pat Cod Completely Dry: Remove excess moisture from fish fillets before cooking to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of searing.
  • Control Garlic Cooking Time: Sauté minced garlic briefly to prevent burning, which can create a bitter taste. Watch for a golden, fragrant moment before adding cod.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Swap rice with cauliflower rice for low-carb version or use gluten-free alternatives. Consider plant-based butter for dairy-free adaptation.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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