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Keto Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Perfect Low-Carb Sides

This Keto Lemon Garlic Butter Cod is a simple, flavorful, and low-carb dinner that’s perfect for the keto diet. The cod is pan-seared until golden, then coated in a rich lemon garlic butter sauce. Served with creamy cauliflower mash and garlic butter asparagus, this meal is quick, easy, and full of flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cod:

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

For the Garlic Butter Asparagus:

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

For the Creamy Cauliflower Mash:

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

Instructions

For the Cod:

  1. Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the cod fillets. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, melt butter over low heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in lemon juice and zest, letting it bubble for about 30 seconds.
  5. Return the cod fillets to the pan and spoon the sauce over them. Let it cook for 1 more minute.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley and remove from heat.

For the Garlic Butter Asparagus:

  1. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  2. Toss in the asparagus spears, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Drizzle with lemon juice before serving.

For the Creamy Cauliflower Mash:

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

Notes

  • Use fresh cod for the best texture, but frozen works too (just thaw completely and pat dry).
  • Don’t overcook the fish—cod cooks fast and dries out easily.
  • If you prefer baking, cook the cod at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes.
  • This recipe pairs well with zucchini noodles, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a fresh avocado salad for more keto side options.

Please note: The recipe or ingredients shown in the video might vary slightly from what’s listed here. Use the video as an illustration, but for the best results, you might want to stick to the recipe provided in this article.

Nutrition