Keto Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Perfect Low-Carb Sides

If you’re craving a meal that’s light, flavorful, and won’t kick you out of ketosis, this Keto Lemon Garlic Butter Cod is about to be your new go-to. It’s buttery, tangy, and loaded with garlic, making every bite melt in your mouth. Best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make and pairs perfectly with simple, low-carb sides.

Fish is already a great choice for keto since it’s packed with protein and healthy fats without the extra carbs. And when you drench it in butter, garlic, and fresh lemon, you get a restaurant-quality dish that takes barely 20 minutes from start to finish.

Why This Cod Recipe Works for Keto

• Zero carbs – Cod is naturally carb-free, making it perfect for a keto meal.
• Rich in healthy fats – Thanks to the butter and olive oil, this dish fits right into your keto macros.
• Quick & easy – This entire meal, including sides, can be made in under 30 minutes.
• Loaded with flavor – The combination of lemon, garlic, and butter makes this fish irresistible.

Now, let’s get into what you need and how to make it.

Ingredients for Keto Lemon Garlic Butter Cod

This recipe is simple and uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

For the Cod:

• 4 cod fillets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 large lemon
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or fresh if you have it)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Sides:

We’ll be making two easy keto sides: garlic butter asparagus and creamy cauliflower mash.

Garlic Butter Asparagus:

• 1 bunch of asparagus (ends trimmed)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Creamy Cauliflower Mash:

• 1 head of cauliflower (cut into florets)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Cod

1. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. This step helps the seasonings stick and prevents the fish from getting mushy.
2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. If you like a little heat, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the cod fillets. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a golden crust. Carefully remove them from the pan and set aside.

2. Making the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

• In the same pan, melt the butter over low heat.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant (but don’t burn it).
• Stir in the lemon juice and zest, letting it bubble for another 30 seconds.
• Return the cod to the pan, spooning the buttery sauce over the fillets. Let it simmer for another minute.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and remove from heat.

Cooking the Sides

A great main dish needs equally good sides, and these are as easy as they come.

Garlic Butter Asparagus

• In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
• Toss in the asparagus spears, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 4-5 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally.
• Squeeze in some lemon juice before serving.

Creamy Cauliflower Mash

• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cauliflower florets for about 10 minutes until fork-tender.
• Drain well and transfer to a blender or food processor.
• Add butter, heavy cream, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serving Suggestions

To plate this up like a pro:

• Place a generous scoop of creamy cauliflower mash on the plate.
• Lay the buttery cod fillet on top.
• Arrange the garlic butter asparagus on the side.
• Spoon extra lemon garlic butter sauce over everything.
• Sprinkle with extra parsley for that finishing touch.

This meal looks fancy but is incredibly easy to make. The flavors are bold, fresh, and satisfying without being heavy.

Tips for the Best Keto Cod

• Use fresh cod if possible. Frozen works too, but make sure it’s thawed completely and patted dry.
• Don’t overcook the fish. Cod is delicate—overcooking makes it dry and rubbery. Cook just until it flakes easily.
• Be generous with butter. This is a keto recipe, after all. Butter makes everything better.
• Adjust the seasoning. Love garlic? Add more. Like it spicy? Go heavier on the red pepper flakes.

Why This Meal is Perfect for Keto

Low in Carbs, High in Healthy Fats

This meal keeps carbs low without sacrificing flavor. Butter, olive oil, and heavy cream bring in the fats you need, while cod provides lean protein.

Quick and Easy

You don’t need hours in the kitchen for a great meal. This entire recipe, from start to finish, takes about 30 minutes.

Budget-Friendly

Cod is one of the more affordable fish options, and cauliflower is a cost-effective swap for mashed potatoes.

Conclusion

This Keto Lemon Garlic Butter Cod is everything you want in a low-carb meal—simple, flavorful, and satisfying. The creamy cauliflower mash and garlicky asparagus make the perfect pairings, giving you a well-balanced plate that keeps you full and on track with your goals.

If you’ve been looking for an easy weeknight dinner that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant, this is it. And the best part? No one will even miss the carbs.

Print