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Creamy lemon cod dish

Featured in Ocean fresh catch of the day.

Turn cod into a classy dish by cooking it with a luscious lemon-parmesan sauce. Easy to make, but tastes restaurant-worthy.
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alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Tue, 18 Mar 2025 13:32:55 GMT
Cooked fish fillets topped with creamy sauce and parsley in a metal skillet. Pin it
Cooked fish fillets topped with creamy sauce and parsley in a metal skillet. | tasteofsavor.com

Try this velvety lemon and parmesan cod. This tender fish comes wrapped in a smooth, fragrant sauce that makes an elegant yet tasty dish perfect for any occasion.

Why you'll love this dish?

This lemon and parmesan cod brings together a light, delicate fish with a rich citrusy sauce, perfectly balanced by deep parmesan flavors. It's great for wowing dinner guests or just treating yourself to something special.

What you'll need for amazing cod

  • Cod: 1 pound, fresh if possible, cut into 4 equal pieces.
  • Salt & pepper: Add to taste.
  • Flour: 1/2 tbsp + more for coating the fish.
  • Butter: 3 tbsp, split between cooking and sauce making.
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, chopped finely.
  • Cream: 1 cup, heavy or whipping.
  • Lemon juice: 1 tbsp, for that tangy kick.
  • Italian seasoning: 1/4 tsp.
  • Parmesan: 1/2 cup, freshly grated.
  • Parsley: 1 tbsp, chopped for garnish.

How to make your dish

Get your cod ready
Let fish sit at room temp for 15 minutes. Cut into 4 same-sized pieces, add salt and pepper, then coat with flour and shake off extras.
Cook your fish
Warm up 2 tbsp butter in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook cod for 2 minutes on each side, then carefully move to a plate.
Create your sauce
Turn heat down a bit and add remaining butter. Cook garlic with 1/2 tbsp flour for a minute. Pour in cream, lemon juice and Italian seasoning. Scrape up the tasty bits from the bottom and let bubble for 2-3 minutes.
Mix in the cheese
Stir in grated parmesan and chopped parsley. Keep stirring until sauce gets nice and smooth.
Finish cooking
Put cod back in the pan and cook a few more minutes, spooning sauce over top. Fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
Golden pieces of fish swimming in creamy sauce, topped with parsley and lemon zest, all sitting in a skillet. Pin it
Golden pieces of fish swimming in creamy sauce, topped with parsley and lemon zest, all sitting in a skillet. | tasteofsavor.com

Smart tips for your dish

Go for fresh cod and good quality parmesan for the best flavor. You'll need heavy cream to get that silky, rich sauce. Serve with some steamed veggies or rice for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why let the fish sit out first?
Letting fish get closer to room temperature makes cooking even. If it's too cold, it'll cook unevenly and might dry out on the outside.
→ Can I choose a different cream?
Use heavy cream—it holds up better to lemon's acidity. Lighter creams may curdle when mixed with lemon.
→ How do I know cod is cooked?
It’s ready when it turns opaque and flakes apart with a fork. Don't overdo it or it might dry out.
→ Which parmesan works best?
Freshly grated parmesan is ideal for better flavor and melty texture. Pre-grated ones won’t make the sauce as creamy.
→ What should I serve with it?
Go for pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce. Add green veggies for a more balanced meal.

Creamy cod with lemon

Flaky cod in a rich, zesty sauce made from lemon and parmesan. Combines cheesy goodness with citrusy freshness.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Seafood

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: French

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Low-Carb

Ingredients

01 450g salted cod.
02 120g freshly grated parmesan.
03 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped.
04 1/4 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
05 1/2 tablespoon of flour, plus more to coat.
06 3 tablespoons of butter.
07 Salt and pepper, to your taste.
08 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped.
09 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
10 240ml heavy cream.

Instructions

Step 01

Cut the cod into four pieces and let it sit at room temp for about 15 minutes. Sprinkle on some seasoning and coat it with flour.

Step 02

Melt butter in a pan, cook the cod for 2 minutes on each side, and then set it aside for later.

Step 03

In the same pan, stir garlic and flour into the leftover butter for a minute.

Step 04

Pour in the cream, lemon juice, and seasoning. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 05

Mix in the parmesan and parsley, then place the cod back in the pan and warm it through.

Notes

  1. Stick to heavy cream so it doesn't curdle when you add the lemon.
  2. Fresh parmesan gives you way better flavor for the sauce.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Fish.
  • Milk.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 32 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: 38 g