Miso Infused Garlic Butter Cod With Lemon Herb Drizzle

Looking for a weeknight dinner that feels a little bit special? This Miso-Infused Garlic Butter Cod with Lemon-Herb Drizzle is exactly what you need! Flaky, tender cod fillets are elevated to new heights with a savory-sweet miso-garlic butter sauce, brightened by a zesty lemon-herb drizzle. It’s a surprisingly easy recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes. The umami-rich miso paste creates a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the delicate cod, while the lemon and herbs add a refreshing lift. Get ready to impress your family and friends (or just treat yourself!) with this incredibly delicious and satisfying dish.

You’ll Need These Ingredients:

• Cod Fillets (2 ≈200g / 7oz each): We’re using skinless cod fillets, aiming for around 7 ounces each. Wild-caught cod is preferred for its superior flavor and texture, but farmed cod will also work well. Ensure the fillets are about the same thickness for even cooking.
• Unsalted Butter (4 Tbsp / 56g, divided): Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish, especially important with the addition of miso paste. We’ll be dividing the butter, using some for sautéing and some for creating the luscious sauce.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced ≈1 Tbsp): Freshly minced garlic is essential for that aromatic punch. Avoid using pre-minced garlic, as it lacks the same intensity of flavor.
• White Miso Paste (1 Tbsp / 15g): White miso paste (shiro miso) is the star of the show! It’s a fermented soybean paste that provides a wonderful umami flavor – savory, slightly sweet, and incredibly complex. It’s milder than red miso, making it perfect for this delicate fish.
• Olive Oil (1 Tbsp / 15ml): A good quality extra virgin olive oil is used for searing the cod, providing a healthy fat and helping to create a beautiful golden crust.
• Lemon Zest (from 1 lemon): The zest of one lemon adds a bright, citrusy aroma and flavor. Be sure to zest only the yellow part of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith.
• Fresh Lemon Juice (1 Tbsp / 15ml): Freshly squeezed lemon juice is crucial for balancing the richness of the butter and miso. Bottled lemon juice simply doesn’t compare in terms of flavor.
• Fresh Thyme Leaves (1 tsp / 2g): Fresh thyme provides a subtle, earthy herbal note that complements the cod and miso beautifully. You can use dried thyme if necessary, but reduce the amount to ½ teaspoon.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Seasoning is key! Use a generous pinch of both salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors of the dish.
• Fresh Parsley (1 Tbsp / 3g, chopped, plus extra for garnish): Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous finish. Flat-leaf parsley (Italian parsley) is preferred for its flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

While this recipe is fantastic as written, here are a few substitutions if you’re missing an ingredient:

• Cod: You can substitute other white fish like halibut, sea bass, or even pollock.
• White Miso Paste: Red miso paste can be used, but it has a stronger flavor, so start with ½ tablespoon and adjust to taste.
• Fresh Thyme: Rosemary or oregano can be used as substitutes, but they will impart a different flavor profile.
• Lemon: Lime can be used in a pinch, but it will have a slightly different flavor.

Detailed Instructions for Miso-Infused Garlic Butter Cod

1. Prepare the Cod: Begin by patting the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear. Season generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – the miso paste will balance it out.
2. Sear the Cod: Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. The skillet needs to be hot enough to create a good sear, but not so hot that the fish burns. Wait until the oil is shimmering before adding the cod. Place the cod fillets in the hot skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side. You’re looking for the flesh to turn opaque and develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Once seared, transfer the fillets to a plate and immediately tent with foil. This helps retain the heat and keeps the fish moist while you prepare the sauce.
3. Sauté the Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 30 seconds. The goal is to infuse the butter with the garlic’s aroma without browning it, as browned garlic can become bitter.
4. Create the Miso-Garlic Butter Sauce: This is where the magic happens! Whisk in the white miso paste, lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh thyme leaves into the melted butter and garlic. Scrape the bottom of the pan with the whisk to dislodge any browned bits (fond) – these add incredible flavor to the sauce. Cook the mixture for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly into a glossy, amber-colored sauce.
5. Combine Cod and Sauce: Gently return the cod fillets to the skillet. Spoon the miso-garlic butter sauce generously over the fillets, ensuring they are well coated. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to meld with the fish and warm through. This final step ensures the cod is infused with the delicious miso-garlic flavor.
6. Plate and Garnish: Carefully arrange each cod fillet on a clean white plate. Drizzle the remaining butter-miso sauce around and over the fish, creating an appealing visual presentation. Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and an extra pinch of lemon zest for a burst of freshness and color.
7. Serve Immediately: Serve the Miso-Infused Garlic Butter Cod immediately while the sauce is still silky and the cod is tender. This dish is best enjoyed fresh!

Why Miso Works Wonders with Cod

Miso, a traditional Japanese seasoning produced by fermenting soybeans, brings a unique umami richness to this dish. The fermentation process breaks down proteins into free amino acids, creating a savory depth that complements the delicate flavor of cod beautifully. The saltiness of the miso also enhances the other flavors, while the slight sweetness balances the acidity of the lemon. This isn’t just about flavor; miso also contains enzymes that can subtly tenderize the fish, resulting in a more pleasant texture.

Selecting the Best Cod for this Recipe

While you can use frozen cod fillets, fresh, wild-caught cod is highly recommended for the best flavor and texture. Wild cod generally has a firmer texture and a cleaner, more pronounced taste. If using frozen cod, ensure it’s fully thawed and patted very dry before searing. Look for fillets that are thick and uniform in size for even cooking. Skinless fillets are preferred in this recipe to allow the sauce to fully coat the fish.

Tips for a Perfect Sear

Achieving a perfect sear on the cod is essential for both flavor and presentation. Here are a few tips: First, ensure the cod is completely dry. Moisture will steam the fish instead of searing it. Second, use a hot skillet and enough oil to coat the bottom evenly. Third, don’t overcrowd the skillet – work in batches if necessary. Finally, resist the urge to move the fish around while it’s searing; let it develop a golden-brown crust before flipping.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

This Miso-Infused Garlic Butter Cod is incredibly versatile. Try serving it with a side of steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce, or alongside roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach for a complete meal. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the miso-garlic butter sauce. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as dill or chives, in place of the thyme.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use a different type of miso paste? While white miso (shiro miso) is recommended for its mild and slightly sweet flavor, you can experiment with red miso (aka miso) for a bolder, more intense flavor.
• What if I don’t have fresh thyme? Dried thyme can be used as a substitute, but use about 1 teaspoon instead of 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme.
• Can I make the sauce ahead of time? The sauce is best made fresh, but you can prepare the miso-garlic mixture (without the lemon juice) a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add the lemon juice just before using.

This Miso-Infused Garlic Butter Cod with Lemon-Herb Drizzle is a delightful and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later!

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• Author: Tessa Monroe
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Diet: Pescatarian

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Description

This recipe creates a flavorful and tender cod dish with a savory-sweet miso-garlic butter sauce and a bright lemon-herb drizzle. It’s a quick and easy weeknight meal that delivers restaurant-quality taste in under 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

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• 200g cod fillets (2, skinless)
• 56g unsalted butter (4 Tbsp, divided)
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic (2 cloves)
• 15g white miso paste (1 Tbsp)
• 15ml olive oil (1 Tbsp)
• 1 lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
• 15ml fresh lemon juice (1 Tbsp)
• 2g fresh thyme leaves (1 tsp)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3g chopped fresh parsley (1 Tbsp, plus extra for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Cod: Pat cod dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Sear Cod: Sear cod in hot oil for 3-4 minutes per side, then tent with foil.
3. Sauté Garlic: Melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
4. Make Miso Sauce: Whisk miso, lemon zest, lemon juice, and thyme into butter.
5. Combine & Cook: Return cod to skillet, coat with sauce, and cook for 2 minutes.
6. Plate & Garnish: Arrange cod, drizzle with sauce, and garnish with parsley.

Notes

For best results, use wild-caught cod and fresh ingredients. Don’t overcook the cod to maintain its flakiness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Pan Fry
• Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 70mg