This Cajun Garlic Butter Cod is an easy, 20-minute one-skillet meal that packs serious flavor. Tender cod fillets are rubbed with Cajun spices and pan-seared, then simmered with asparagus in a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but special enough for the weekend. Pair with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a comforting and delicious dinner.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Cod

• 4 cod fillets (or cod loin)

• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for frying)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

• 6 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 shallot, finely chopped

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ¼ tsp chili flakes

• 1 tsp dried sage

• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter

• 8 ounces asparagus (use baby asparagus or halve large ones)

• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

Directions

1. Pat cod fillets dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Cajun seasoning.

2. Finely chop the shallot, mince the garlic, and chop the parsley. If needed, cut asparagus in half lengthwise.

3. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the cod for 3 minutes on one side, flip, and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

4. Lower heat to medium-low. Add garlic and shallot to the same skillet and sauté for 2 minutes.

5. Stir in salt, pepper, sage, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.

6. Add butter and stir until melted and emulsified.

7. Add asparagus and parsley; cook for 3 minutes.

8. Return cod to skillet and simmer for another 3 minutes until heated through.

9. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and top with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 536 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 8g

• Protein: 164g

• Fat: 24g

• Saturated Fat: 11g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 7g

• Trans Fat: 1g

• Cholesterol: 425mg

• Sodium: 1093mg

• Potassium: 3983mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 2g

• Vitamin A: 1885 IU

• Vitamin C: 17mg

• Calcium: 183mg

• Iron: 5mg

Why Cajun Cod Deserves a Spot on Your Menu

Cod is a remarkably versatile white fish, known for its mild flavor and soft, buttery texture. It takes on seasonings beautifully and holds together well when pan-fried, making it an ideal protein for quick skillet meals like this one. What sets this dish apart is the Cajun seasoning—a smoky, peppery blend that adds depth and heat to the cod without overpowering its natural taste. Pair that with a silky garlic butter sauce, and you have a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and freshness.

Perfect for Busy Weeknights and Special Occasions

This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, all in one skillet, which makes it a lifesaver for hectic evenings. Yet the final presentation feels elevated, with tender cod fillets nestled in a golden pool of garlic-infused butter, dotted with bright green asparagus and flecks of parsley. Whether you’re serving it up after a long day at work or plating it for a cozy dinner with friends, this dish hits the mark on simplicity and elegance.

The Secret Behind the Flavor

The seasoning on the cod plays a major role in developing flavor right from the start. Cajun spice, black pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of salt work together to create a bold crust when seared in the skillet. Searing the fish locks in its moisture while enhancing its flavor with a golden, crisp exterior.

Then comes the sauce. A sauté of garlic and shallot creates a fragrant base, while smoked paprika and chili flakes bring in that warm, smoky Cajun vibe. Chicken broth adds richness and depth, while the butter makes the sauce creamy and luxurious. Finally, a touch of sage adds a slightly earthy, savory note that complements the rest of the ingredients perfectly.

Asparagus: More Than Just a Side

Asparagus is more than a green garnish in this dish. Its earthy, slightly sweet flavor pairs beautifully with the spicy cod and buttery sauce, bringing balance and freshness. Cooking it directly in the garlic butter sauce allows it to soak up all the delicious flavors, while still maintaining a pleasant crisp-tender texture. Using baby asparagus or halving thicker stalks ensures they cook quickly and evenly.

Customizing the Recipe to Suit Your Style

One of the best things about this Cajun Garlic Butter Cod is how easy it is to customize. Not a fan of asparagus? Try green beans, broccoli, or spinach. Want more heat? Add extra chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. Prefer a richer sauce? Swap chicken broth for a splash of white wine or a bit of cream. The base of this recipe is flexible, giving you the freedom to adapt it to your personal taste or whatever you have in your fridge.

What to Serve With Cajun Garlic Butter Cod

Because this dish is so flavorful and saucy, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. A fluffy bed of rice or buttery mashed potatoes will soak up every drop of the garlic butter sauce. For a lower-carb option, consider cauliflower rice or sautéed greens. Pasta also works well, especially simple angel hair or fettuccine tossed with olive oil and lemon. Add a crusty piece of bread and a crisp green salad for a restaurant-worthy meal right at home.

Light Yet Satisfying Nutritional Profile

This recipe is as nutritious as it is delicious. Cod is an excellent source of lean protein, and when paired with heart-healthy olive oil and nutrient-packed asparagus, it offers a balanced meal full of essential vitamins and minerals. Garlic and herbs provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, while the moderate use of butter gives richness without making the dish overly heavy. It’s proof that comfort food can be both indulgent and good for you.

Tips for Cooking Cod Perfectly

Getting that perfect flaky, moist texture in your cod comes down to a few simple techniques. First, make sure to pat the fillets dry before seasoning—this helps them sear beautifully and prevents steaming in the pan. Use a nonstick skillet or a well-seasoned cast iron pan to reduce sticking, and resist the urge to flip the fish too soon. A good sear takes just a few minutes, but that crispy edge is worth the wait. Once the cod is cooked, remove it from the skillet before making the sauce to avoid overcooking.

From Skillet to Table in No Time

The beauty of this recipe lies in its speed and simplicity. Everything comes together in one skillet with minimal cleanup. The timing works out perfectly—while the cod rests, you build the sauce and cook the asparagus, then finish by nestling the fish back in and simmering until all the flavors meld. With just a few basic ingredients and a short cooking time, you’ll be amazed at the rich, complex flavor this dish delivers.

Conclusion

Cajun Garlic Butter Cod is the kind of dish that makes you feel like a pro in the kitchen, even on a busy weeknight. It’s bold yet balanced, spicy yet buttery, and packed with nourishing ingredients that don’t skimp on flavor. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to shake up your dinner routine, this recipe delivers comfort, elegance, and satisfaction in every bite. Quick to make, easy to customize, and absolutely delicious—this skillet meal is bound to become a favorite in your dinner rotation.