Why This Recipe is a Total Game-Changer
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Foolproof Perfection: The slow cooker’s gentle heat eliminates any risk of overcooking, guaranteeing moist, tender, and flaky fish every time.
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5-Ingredient Elegance: With just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes sophisticated and complex.
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15-Minute Active Time: The prep is incredibly simple, and the slow cooker does the rest of the work, freeing you up completely.
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Light, Healthy, and Flavorful: This is a clean, protein-packed meal that doesn’t sacrifice an ounce of flavor. It’s naturally gluten-free and low-carb.
Gathering Your Ingredients: Simple, Fresh Flavors
The quality of your ingredients is paramount here, as they shine through with minimal seasoning.
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4 (6 oz) cod fillets, skinless (fresh or thawed frozen)
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¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
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2 lemons (1 thinly sliced, 1 juiced)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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Optional Flavor Boosters: A pinch of red pepper flakes, a tablespoon of capers, or fresh dill instead of parsley.
The Step-by-Step Method: Effortless Elegance
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 1-2 hours on Low | Serves: 4
Step 1: Prep the Aromatics
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, juice of one lemon, and chopped parsley.
Step 2: Create a Lemon Bed
Arrange the thin lemon slices in a single layer on the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a fragrant bed that steams the fish and prevents sticking.
Step 3: Season the Fish
Pat the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for the sauce to adhere properly.
Season both sides of the fillets generously with salt and pepper.
Place the seasoned fillets on top of the lemon slices in the slow cooker, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping.
Step 4: The Buttery Blanket
Pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over the top of each cod fillet, making sure each one is gloriously coated.
Step 5: The Gentle Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 1 to 2 hours. Do not cook on high. The fish is done when it is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your fillets. Begin checking at the 1-hour mark.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Carefully remove the flaky fish from the slow cooker using a spatula. It will be very tender.
Drizzle the delicious cooking juices from the bottom of the pot over the top.
Garnish with additional fresh parsley and a final wedge of lemon for serving.
Chef’s Notes: Pro-Tips for a Flawless Fish
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The LOW and SLOW Rule: This is non-negotiable. Cooking on high heat will quickly overcook and ruin the delicate texture of the cod. Low heat is the secret to perfection.
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Check Early, Check Often: Cod fillets can vary greatly in thickness. Start checking for doneness at 60 minutes. The fish should be opaque and flake easily.
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Pat Dry: Always pat your fish dry before seasoning. This ensures a better sear if you choose to sear it first (see below) and helps the sauce stick.
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The Optional Sear (For Gourmet Touch): For extra flavor and texture, quickly sear the seasoned cod fillets in a hot skillet with a little oil for 60-90 seconds per side before placing them in the slow cooker. This adds a beautiful golden crust.