If you want a healthy, low-carb dinner that’s quick and simple, this Garlic Butter Cod & Asparagus is an excellent choice. Tender, flaky cod fillets are pan-seared and finished in a bright garlic-butter sauce, while asparagus is added to the skillet and cooked just until tender for a complete, satisfying meal.
This dish is naturally Keto-friendly and pairs beautifully with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. If carbohydrates aren’t a concern, serve it with steamed white rice or creamy mashed potatoes—either way, it’s a family-friendly dinner that comes together in minutes.
Best of all, this recipe takes about 15 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Cod is rich in vitamins, minerals and lean protein, and is especially notable for its vitamin B12 content, which supports nerve and blood health and helps maintain energy levels.
What to Look For When Buying Cod
Cod is a mild-flavored white fish that’s widely available. When selecting cod, consider wild-caught over farm-raised whenever possible. Wild-caught cod typically has a firmer texture and cleaner flavor because it feeds in its natural environment. Farmed fish may have different feed and treatments that can affect taste and quality.
Also decide between fresh and frozen. “Fresh” fish in inland stores often spends time in transit, which can reduce its quality. Frozen cod is commonly flash-frozen soon after catch, preserving texture, moisture and nutrients. For many shoppers, wild-caught frozen cod offers the best balance of freshness, availability and value.
Fresh or Frozen Cod
If you don’t live near the coast, frozen cod is often the better option. Proper flash-freezing locks in flavor and texture, and frozen fillets can be just as delicious as fresh when thawed and cooked correctly. Wild-caught frozen cod fillets usually offer the best combination of taste, nutrition and convenience.
Asparagus – The Perfect Side Dish for Cod
Asparagus pairs perfectly with cod. Its crisp-tender texture and slightly sweet, earthy flavor complement the mild, flaky fish without overpowering it. Asparagus cooks quickly—steam, roast or sauté it—making it ideal for a fast, healthy dinner alongside lemon and garlic-seasoned cod.
If you want to swap vegetables, green beans, broccoli florets, snap peas or zucchini are all great quick-cooking alternatives. Each adds color, texture and nutrients to the plate and works well with the garlic-butter sauce.
Garlic Butter Cod Recipe
*Specific measurements and the printable recipe card are at the bottom of this article. Read the tips below for the best results.
INGREDIENTS
- 4 cod fillets, about 1½ inches thick
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth (or dry white wine)
- ½ stick unsalted butter
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed
For serving
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Lemon slices for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
Choose cod fillets that are similar in thickness—about 1 to 1½ inches works well. Pat the fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper; set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, place the fillets in the pan (skin side down if skin is present) and cook for about 5 minutes. Flip and cook until golden on the second side, about 4–5 minutes more. Remove the cod from the skillet and set aside.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth or white wine and bring to a simmer.
Stir in the butter and lemon juice and heat for 1–2 minutes until the butter melts and the sauce comes together. Add the asparagus and sauté for 1–3 minutes until crisp-tender.
Return the cod to the pan and reheat for another 1–2 minutes, spooning the garlic-butter sauce over the fillets. Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired, and lemon slices.
Another Great Cod Recipe
If you enjoy quick cod recipes, try Air Fryer Cod for another fast and flavorful option.
Enjoy! Mary
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Garlic Butter Cod & Asparagus
A quick, easy and delicious way to prepare cod and asparagus. The fish is tender and flavorful in a garlic-butter sauce—a great low-carb, Keto-friendly meal.
5 minutes
15 minutes
20 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets, 1½ inches thick
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth (or dry white wine)
- ½ stick unsalted butter
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 bunch of asparagus, ends trimmed
For Serving
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
- Crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- Slices of lemon for garnish
Instructions
- Season cod with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Cook the fillets until golden brown on both sides, then remove from skillet.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (30 seconds–1 minute).
- Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in butter, lemon juice and parsley; heat 1–2 minutes.
- Add trimmed asparagus and cook 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender. Return cod to the pan and reheat until warmed through.
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley, red pepper flakes and lemon slices if desired.
Notes
- Add ½ teaspoon hot sauce to the garlic-butter for extra kick.
- Substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock or dry white wine if preferred.
Recipe provided by Make Your Meals
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 345
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 129mg
Sodium: 189mg
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 42g
Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary with different products and portion sizes.