Slow Cooker Lemon Butter Cod – A Light & Flavorful Seafood Delight
Introduction:
Looking for a light, zesty, and incredibly easy seafood dinner? This Slow Cooker Lemon Butter Cod is a simple, hands-off recipe that brings out the delicate flavor of cod with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. With buttery citrus notes and a fragrant garlic base, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners alike. Best of all, it’s ready with just a few pantry staples and your slow cooker!
Ingredients List
-
4 cod fillets (fresh or thawed)
-
1/4 cup melted butter
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
2 lemons, thinly sliced
-
3 garlic cloves, minced
-
1/4 cup chicken broth
-
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
-
Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe Summary
-
Prep Time: 10 minutes
-
Cook Time: 2–3 hours (LOW)
-
Total Time: 2–3 hours, 10 minutes
-
Servings: 4
-
Method: Slow Cooker / Crockpot
-
Cuisine: American / Mediterranean-Inspired
-
Difficulty: Easy
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Grease the bottom of your slow cooker insert using a small portion of the melted butter. This helps prevent sticking and adds flavor right from the base.
Step 2: Layer the Lemons
Arrange thin lemon slices in a single layer on the bottom of the greased slow cooker. This forms a citrusy bed that infuses the fish as it cooks.
Step 3: Add the Cod Fillets
Place the cod fillets gently on top of the lemon slices. Ensure they are spaced out evenly and not overlapping, so they cook uniformly.
Step 4: Mix and Pour the Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, combine:
-
Remaining melted butter
-
Olive oil
-
Minced garlic
-
Chicken broth
-
Salt and pepper to taste
Stir well, then pour the sauce evenly over the cod fillets.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking as fish can dry out quickly.
Step 6: Garnish
Once the cod is done, sprinkle freshly minced parsley over the top for a burst of color and a hint of freshness.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the cod fillets with some of the cooked lemon slices and spoon extra lemon butter sauce from the bottom of the slow cooker over each portion.
Serving Suggestions
-
Serve over steamed rice, garlic mashed potatoes, or a light couscous salad.
-
Pair with steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or grilled zucchini for a balanced meal.
-
A glass of chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the citrusy notes perfectly.
Variations & Tips
-
Add white wine: For more depth, add 2 tablespoons of dry white wine to the broth mixture.
-
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle heat.
-
Use other fish: Substitute cod with other firm white fish like haddock, halibut, or tilapia.
-
One-pot meal: Add baby potatoes and green beans around the fish for a complete meal in one cooker (just ensure the vegetables are cut small enough to cook in 2–3 hours).
-
Fresh herbs: Add thyme or dill for a more herbal twist.
Storage & Reheating Tips
-
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
-
Reheat: Gently reheat in the microwave or a covered pan over low heat. Add a splash of broth or butter to keep it moist.
-
Freezing not recommended due to texture changes in fish after freezing and reheating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Quick and effortless prep
-
Bright, fresh lemon-garlic flavor
-
Healthy and low-carb
-
Minimal cleanup
-
Elegant enough for entertaining, easy enough for everyday meals