Cream Cheese Cake

Slow Cooker Lemon Butter Cod

About This Recipe

Slow Cooker Lemon Butter Cod is a light yet satisfying dish that proves you don’t need complicated techniques to achieve flavor-packed seafood. Cooking fish in a slow cooker may sound unusual, but it creates a gentle cooking environment that prevents overcooking while infusing the cod with buttery lemon goodness. The result is flaky, moist, and tender cod that pairs well with both casual weeknight sides and more elegant dinner accompaniments. This recipe is not only healthy but also versatile, requiring minimal prep time and simple pantry staples. 

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-off cooking thanks to the slow cooker.
• Lemon butter sauce adds a fresh yet rich flavor.
• Cooks fish gently for perfect flakiness.
• Great for low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diets.
• Pairs beautifully with vegetables, rice, or potatoes.

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each), fresh or thawed if frozen
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon slices (optional, for layering and garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the seasonings stick and prevents watery sauce.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Lightly grease the insert of your slow cooker or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
4. Place the cod fillets in a single layer inside the slow cooker. If using lemon slices, lay them underneath and on top of the fillets.
5. Pour the lemon butter mixture evenly over the cod.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 1.5 to 2 hours or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Avoid cooking on HIGH, as fish cooks quickly and can become tough.
7. Carefully remove the fillets using a wide spatula, as the cod will be delicate and flaky.
8. Transfer to serving plates, spoon some of the lemon butter sauce on top, and garnish with parsley.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a healthy dinner.
• Pair with rice pilaf, couscous, or mashed potatoes to soak up the buttery sauce.
• Add a crisp green salad with vinaigrette for a light meal.
• For a Mediterranean twist, serve with roasted vegetables and warm pita bread.
• Turn leftovers into fish tacos topped with fresh salsa.

Recipe Variations

• Herb Variation: Use dill or basil instead of thyme for different flavor notes.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Creamy Sauce: Stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or Greek yogurt after cooking for richness.
• Other Fish: Try this recipe with haddock, halibut, or tilapia.
• Vegetable Add-In: Place zucchini slices, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers under the fish for a one-pot meal.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, 1 of 4)

• Calories: 260 kcal
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Sugars: 0 g
• Protein: 28 g

FAQ

Can I use frozen cod? Yes, thaw fully before cooking for best texture. Cooking from frozen may release excess water.

Will the fish fall apart in the slow cooker? Cod is delicate but holds up well if cooked on LOW and removed carefully with a wide spatula.

How do I know when cod is done? The fish should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Can I double the recipe? Yes, but arrange fish in a single layer if possible. For more fillets, cook in two batches or use a larger slow cooker.

What if I don’t have cod? This method works with other white fish such as haddock, pollock, or tilapia.

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave at low power. Avoid overcooking, as fish can dry out.
• Not recommended for freezing, as cooked cod may lose texture after thawing.

Final Notes

Slow Cooker Lemon Butter Cod is an elegant yet simple dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. By cooking gently in a lemon garlic butter sauce, the cod stays moist and flaky while developing bright and savory notes. Whether served with vegetables, grains, or salads, this recipe is versatile enough for both casual family meals and special dinners. With its ease of preparation and wholesome profile, it’s a seafood recipe you’ll return to time and again.

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