Garlic Butter Cod with Thyme Seasoned Rice

Cod filets sautéed in butter and fresh garlic, served alongside white rice seasoned with garlic powder, dried thyme, and butter.

This Garlic Butter Cod with Thyme Seasoned Rice recipe is a delightful blend of simplicity and flavor, ideal for a wholesome weeknight dinner. Start by seasoning two cod fillets with kosher salt and black pepper, then pan-sear them in a mixture of butter and minced garlic until they develop a golden crust and flake easily. Meanwhile, prepare the rice by boiling long grain white rice with salt, simmering it until tender, and letting it rest. The dish comes together as you fluff the cooked rice and stir in butter, garlic powder, and dried thyme, creating a savory and aromatic side. The combination of the mild, moist cod and the fragrant, buttery rice creates a satisfying and slightly elegant meal, perfect for those evenings when you want something both uncomplicated and delicious.

Servings

2

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Total Time

30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Fish:

  • 2 cod filets, thawed
  • Kosher salt and black pepper (to season)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Rice:

  • 1 cup long grain white rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

Prepare the Rice:

  • Bring 2 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil in a medium saucepan.
  • Rinse the rice under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear.

Prepare the Cod:

  • Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper.

Cook the Rice:

  • Add the rinsed rice to the boiling water, reduce the heat to low, and cover.
  • Cook for approximately 18 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
  • Remove from heat with lid covered and rest for 10 minutes.
  • Fluff the cooked rice with a fork.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of butter, garlic powder, and dried thyme to the rice.
  • Stir until the butter is melted and the seasonings are well distributed

Cook the Cod:

  • In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
  • Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Place the seasoned cod fillets in the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.

In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil and stir in the salt.

Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear.

Add the rice to the boiling water and stir.

Reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Cook for 18 minutes or until the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender.

Fluff the rice with a fork, then add the butter, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Stir until the butter is melted and the seasonings are well combined.

Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Mince 2 cloves of garlic and set aside.

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.

Add the cod fillets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.