White Wine Lemon Butter Cod: Flaky, Buttery, and Bathed in a Bright White Wine Citrus Sauce

White Wine Lemon Butter Cod is light, elegant, and fast — tender fillets of cod pan-seared until just golden, then simmered gently in a sauce of dry white wine, lemon juice, garlic, and melted butter.

It’s coastal simplicity at its best: clean flavors, quick cook time, and a sauce you’ll want to mop up with every bite.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

• 1 lb cod fillets (fresh or thawed, patted dry)
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp flour (optional, for light dusting)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay)
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional: lemon slices, red pepper flakes, or capers

Instructions

Step 1: Season and Sear

1. Lightly season cod with salt and pepper. Dust with flour if using — it helps with browning.
2. Heat oil or 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Sear cod fillets 2–3 minutes per side, just until golden and flaky. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Pour in white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
3. Stir in lemon zest and butter, a little at a time, to create a smooth, glossy sauce.

Step 3: Finish

1. Return cod to skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer 1–2 minutes to warm through.
2. Garnish with parsley, extra lemon, or red pepper flakes if desired.
3. Serve hot with crusty bread, rice, or vegetables.

Flavor Variations

• Add capers and a splash of cream for a piccata-style twist
• Stir in chopped dill or tarragon instead of parsley
• Use halibut, haddock, or sea bass as an easy substitution
• Serve over creamy polenta or lemon herb couscous for a full meal

Wine Pairing

In the Pan

• Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay (unoaked), or Vermentino
• Stick with dry, crisp, citrus-driven wines

In Your Glass

• Same wine used in cooking
• Albariño or Muscadet with citrus and mineral character
• Sparkling brut for bright contrast
• Light Belgian-style ale or Kölsch if you’re leaning beer

Final Thoughts

White Wine Lemon Butter Cod is fresh, fast, and full of citrusy charm — a weeknight dish that cooks in one pan but tastes like a glass of wine on the coast. It’s flaky, buttery, and just enough sauce to make everything on the plate shine.

Cheers to bright citrus, white wine butter, and fish done beautifully simple! 🍋🍷🐟🔥

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