Creamy Lemon Parmesan Cod
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
447 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Creamy Lemon Parmesan Cod
Description
Creamy Lemon Parmesan Cod features cod fillets coated in flour and pan-seared in butter for a delicate crust. After cooking the fish, the pan is used for a sauce base made with garlic, flour, heavy cream, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This approach allows the sauce to pick up all the flavorful browned bits left in the pan. The lemon juice adds a bright note that cuts through the richness of the cream, resulting in a sauce that is both creamy and tangy. The dish is finished with chopped fresh parsley for color and a mild herbal touch.
The cod is cooked just enough to remain tender and flaky without falling apart, and finishing it in the sauce ensures it is fully infused with the creamy lemon-Parmesan flavors. It can be served alongside simple steamed vegetables or a light grain to complement the richness.
For best results, use a bit over a pound of cod as the recipe suggests, and avoid substituting the cream to prevent curdling. Allowing the cod to rest at room temperature before cooking helps promote even cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cod see note
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tablespoon flour plus extra for dredging
- 3 tablespoons butter divided
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream aka whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- 1 tablespoon parsley chopped, fresh
Instructions
- Let the cod sit on the counter for 15 minutes or so prior to starting the recipe if possible. Cut it into 4 equal pieces. Season each piece with salt & pepper then coat in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Add 2 tablespoons of the butter to a skillet over medium-high heat. Let the pan heat up for a few minutes. Once the pan is hot, add the cod and cook for 2 minutes/side. Transfer the cod to a plate (use a spatula as it falls apart easily).
- Take the skillet off the burner for a minute or so to let it cool a bit.
- Add the remaining butter to the skillet over medium heat. Once it's melted, stir in the garlic and 1/2 tablespoon flour and cook for about a minute.
- Stir in the cream, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
- Add the cod back into the pan and let it finish cooking for a few minutes (be careful not to overcook especially if you've got very thin pieces). It should flake easily with a fork. Spoon some sauce over top and season with extra salt & pepper as needed.
Notes
- Use just over a pound of cod for ideal portioning and texture.
- Avoid substituting the heavy cream to prevent the sauce from curdling and to ensure proper thickening.
- Let cod sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking to improve consistency.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 447 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 447kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 8g | 3% |
| Protein | 26g | 52% |
| Fat | 34g | 52% |
| Saturated Fat | 21g | 105% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Trans Fat | 0.3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 149mg | 50% |
| Sodium | 365mg | 15% |
| Potassium | 573mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 0.3g | 1% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 1377IU | 28% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 178mg | 18% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.