Garlic Butter Shrimp & Cod with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Description

Garlic Butter Shrimp & Cod with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a delicious seafood recipe that combines tender flaky cod, juicy shrimp, and a rich garlic butter sauce packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. This easy skillet meal is made with simple ingredients but delivers a restaurant-quality taste with every bite. The cod becomes perfectly tender while the shrimp adds a sweet, delicate flavor that pairs beautifully with the buttery garlic sauce. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a deep, slightly tangy sweetness, while fresh herbs, lemon, and seasonings brighten the entire dish. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknight dinners, special occasions, or anyone looking for a quick and elegant seafood meal. Serve it with roasted vegetables, pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful garlic butter sauce. With minimal preparation and a short cooking time, this seafood dish proves that simple ingredients can create an impressive and satisfying meal.

Ingredients For the Seafood

• 1 pound cod fillets, cut into large pieces
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
• ½ cup chicken broth or seafood broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped

Optional Serving Additions

• Lemon wedges
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Steamed vegetables
• Cooked pasta or rice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Seafood: Pat the cod and shrimp dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the cod pieces and shrimp with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Drying the seafood helps create a beautiful golden sear.
2. Cook the Cod: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cod pieces and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden and almost fully cooked. Carefully remove the cod from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden. Remove the shrimp and set aside with the cod.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and allow it to melt. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their flavor.
5. Create the Sauce: Add chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and allow the sauce to simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
6. Combine Everything: Return the cod and shrimp to the skillet. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the seafood and gently simmer for another 2 minutes until everything is warmed through and coated.
7. Finish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley and basil over the top. Serve immediately with your favorite side dish and extra lemon wedges.

Tips & Notes

• Choose fresh cod fillets that are firm and have a mild ocean scent for the best flavor.
• Do not overcook seafood because shrimp can become rubbery and cod can become dry.
• Patting seafood dry before cooking helps create better browning and prevents excess liquid in the skillet.
• Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil provide extra flavor. You can use a little of the reserved tomato oil for cooking the seafood.
• Add spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra vegetables and color.
• For a creamier version, add ½ cup heavy cream to the garlic butter sauce before returning the seafood.
• This recipe is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat gently over low heat to prevent the seafood from becoming tough.

Q&A

Can I use another fish instead of cod?
Yes. Haddock, halibut, tilapia, or sea bass can work well as substitutes depending on availability.
Can I use frozen shrimp and cod?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to remove excess moisture.
What can I serve with this recipe?
This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, roasted potatoes, asparagus, zucchini, or a fresh Mediterranean salad.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes. Replace butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative for a dairy-free version.

Servings & Nutrition

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings. Each serving contains an estimated 350–420 calories, 40–45g protein, 8–12g carbohydrates, and 18–22g fat, depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used. Shrimp and cod provide lean, high-quality protein while the olive oil, butter, and sun-dried tomatoes add rich flavor and texture. Nutritional values may vary depending on brands, cooking methods, and additional side dishes served. This Garlic Butter Shrimp & Cod with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a flavorful, protein-rich seafood meal that combines simple preparation with elegant Mediterranean-style taste.