🍋🧄 Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Bowls with Roasted Brussels Sprouts
📝 Description
These Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Bowls are bright, savory, and deeply satisfying while staying light and wholesome. Flaky cod is pan-seared in a rich lemon-garlic butter sauce, then paired with crispy roasted Brussels sprouts and served as a balanced bowl meal. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner but elegant enough to feel restaurant-worthy.
⏱️ Prep & Cook Time
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 20 minutes
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Total time: 30 minutes
🍽️ Servings
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Serves: 4 people
🛒 Ingredients
For the Cod
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4 cod fillets (about 5–6 oz each)
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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1 tbsp olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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Zest of 1 lemon
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Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 tsp paprika (optional)
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1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Roasted Brussels Sprouts
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1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
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2 tbsp olive oil
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
Optional Bowl Add-Ins
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Cooked rice, quinoa, or couscous
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Avocado slices
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Cherry tomatoes
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Lemon wedges
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Roast the Brussels Sprouts
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
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Spread evenly on a baking sheet, cut-side down.
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Roast for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
2. Cook the Cod
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Pat cod fillets dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
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Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Place cod fillets in the skillet and cook 3–4 minutes per side, until opaque and flaky.
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Add lemon juice and zest during the last minute of cooking.
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Spoon the butter sauce over the cod and remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Bowls
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Add a base of rice or quinoa (if using).
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Top with roasted Brussels sprouts and cod.
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Drizzle remaining lemon garlic butter sauce over everything.
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Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
💡 Tips & Notes
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Don’t overcook cod: It’s done when it flakes easily with a fork.
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Extra crispy Brussels sprouts: Avoid overcrowding the pan.
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Dairy-free option: Swap butter for extra olive oil.
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More heat: Add red pepper flakes to the butter sauce.
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Meal prep friendly: Store components separately for best texture.
🧮 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx.)
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Calories: 420
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Protein: 38g
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Fat: 22g
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Carbohydrates: 18g
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Fiber: 6g
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Sugar: 4g
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Sodium: 420mg
(Values may vary based on sides and portion sizes.)
🌱 Health Benefits
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Cod: High in lean protein, vitamin B12, and omega-3s for heart and brain health.
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Brussels Sprouts: Rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C.
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Lemon & Garlic: Support immune health and digestion.
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Balanced Bowl: Offers protein, healthy fats, and vegetables in one meal.
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I use frozen cod?
A: Yes—just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Q: What can I substitute for cod?
A: Haddock, halibut, tilapia, or salmon work well.
Q: Can this be made ahead?
A: Yes! Cook and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently.
Q: Is this recipe keto or low-carb?
A: Yes—skip the grain base and enjoy as is.
Q: Can I cook the cod in the oven instead?
A: Absolutely. Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 12–15 minutes.