Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Bowls with Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Light, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients, these Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Bowls with Roasted Brussels Sprouts are a perfect balance of freshness and comfort.

The flaky, tender cod is infused with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic, while the crispy Brussels sprouts add a deliciously roasted depth.

Finished with a rich, buttery sauce, this dish is both simple and elegant—ideal for a nutritious weeknight dinner or a special meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

People will love this Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Bowl with Roasted Brussels Sprouts because it’s a perfect mix of light and satisfying flavors.

The flaky, tender cod is infused with zesty lemon and garlic, while the roasted Brussels sprouts bring a crispy, caramelized touch.

The rich butter sauce ties everything together, making it both comforting and fresh.

Plus, it’s a simple, wholesome meal packed with protein and nutrients, ideal for a quick and delicious dinner.

Key Ingredients:

Cod Fillets – Mild, flaky, and tender, cod is the star of this dish, absorbing the bright flavors of lemon and garlic.

Lemon Juice – Adds a refreshing citrusy zing that enhances the natural sweetness of the fish.

Garlic – Infuses the cod and butter sauce with a rich, aromatic depth of flavor.

Butter – Creates a luscious, silky sauce that complements both the fish and the Brussels sprouts.

Brussels Sprouts – Roasted to perfection, adding a crispy, caramelized contrast to the dish.

Olive Oil & Seasonings – Brings everything together with a balance of richness and warmth.

Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Bowls with Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Ingredients:

For the Cod:

1 pound cod fillets, cut into 4 pieces

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

For the Brussels Sprouts:

1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:

4 tablespoons butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions:

Heat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Arrange them evenly on a baking tray and roast for 20-25 minutes, until golden and tender.

Prepare the Cod: In a mixing bowl, coat the cod fillets with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Sear the Cod: Warm a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned cod and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until the fish is flaky and fully cooked.

Make the Sauce: In a small pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Mix in the lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.

Put It All Together: Distribute the roasted Brussels sprouts into serving bowls. Add the cooked cod on top and drizzle with the rich lemon garlic butter sauce.

Notes:

Choosing Cod: Fresh or frozen cod fillets work well; if using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.

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Roasting Brussels Sprouts: For extra crispiness, place them cut-side down on the baking sheet and avoid overcrowding.

Adjusting Seasoning: Feel free to tweak the seasoning levels to your taste—add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Cooking Cod Perfectly: Cod cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it. It’s done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Sauce Tip: For a richer flavor, let the garlic cook in butter for an extra 30 seconds before adding the lemon juice and parsley.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen cod instead of fresh?

Yes! If using frozen cod, make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water before cooking.

Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better searing.

How do I prevent cod from falling apart while cooking?

Cod is delicate and can break easily. To prevent this:

Use a nonstick skillet or well-seasoned cast iron pan.
Let the cod cook undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping.
Use a wide spatula to gently turn the fillets.

What can I substitute for Brussels sprouts?

If you’re not a fan of Brussels sprouts, you can use:

Broccoli
Asparagus
Green beans
Zucchini

Roast them the same way for a similar texture and flavor balance.

Can I make the lemon garlic butter sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat it over low heat and whisk before serving.

How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?

Cod is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

You’ll know it’s ready when it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque white throughout.

How can I make the cod extra crispy?

For a crispier texture, lightly dust the cod fillets with flour or cornstarch before searing.

This creates a golden crust while keeping the inside moist.

You can also broil the cod for the last minute of cooking for extra crispiness.

Can I cook the cod in the oven instead of on the stove?

Yes! To bake the cod, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the seasoned fillets on a lined baking sheet.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

You can also broil it for 1-2 minutes at the end for a golden finish.

How do I prevent Brussels sprouts from getting soggy?

To keep Brussels sprouts crispy:

Spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet.

Overcrowding traps steam and makes them mushy.

Roast them at a high temperature (400°F / 200°C) for caramelization.

Flip them halfway through for even browning.

Can I use a different fish instead of cod?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with mild, flaky fish such as:

Halibut
Tilapia
Haddock
Sea bass

Adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the fillet.

How can I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheat the cod in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.

Avoid microwaving as it can make the fish rubbery.

The Brussels sprouts can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to regain crispiness.