Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon Butter – A Zesty, Buttery Delight That Will Have You Hooked

If you're looking for a quick yet gourmet seafood dish, this Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon Butter is a must-try. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bathed in a rich lemon butter sauce, this recipe takes flaky cod fillets to new heights. It’s fresh, flavorful, and easy enough for a weeknight dinner while also elegant enough for special occasions. Each bite brings the perfect balance of light, citrusy flavors with a buttery richness, making it an irresistible seafood sensation.

Scroll down for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon Butter

This dish draws inspiration from classic seafood preparations, where simple ingredients shine through and let the natural flavors of the fish take center stage. Cod is a mild, flaky fish that pairs beautifully with the bold flavors of lemon and garlic. The key to this dish is getting that perfect golden sear on the outside of the cod while keeping the inside tender and flaky. The lemon butter sauce brings everything together, creating a bright, tangy finish that complements the richness of the fish.

Why Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon Butter Will Be Your New Favorite Seafood Recipe

This recipe is packed with vibrant, fresh flavors that will brighten up any meal. The cod is seared to crispy perfection, and the lemon butter sauce drizzled over the top takes it to another level with its zesty punch. It’s also an incredibly versatile dish that you can serve alongside a variety of sides—from roasted vegetables to rice or even pasta. And the best part? It only takes 20 minutes from start to finish, so you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home without the hassle!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Sodium: 380mg
• Fiber: 1g

This dish is light, healthy, and bursting with flavor, making it the perfect guilt-free indulgence.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon Butter pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a light, summery meal, serve it with a simple green salad or steamed asparagus. If you want something heartier, pair it with garlic mashed potatoes or a bed of rice to soak up all that delicious lemon butter sauce. To complete the meal, serve with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which will complement the zesty lemon flavors perfectly.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the cod in a skillet over low heat with a bit of the leftover sauce to keep it moist. Be careful not to overcook the fish during reheating, as cod can dry out quickly. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to add a spoonful of sauce to the top before microwaving to keep it juicy.

Fun Fact: Why Cod is a Seafood Superstar

Cod has long been one of the most popular fish in the culinary world, prized for its mild flavor and flaky texture. It’s a lean fish that works well in a variety of dishes, from fish and chips to delicate pan-seared preparations like this one. Historically, cod was a staple in both European and North American diets, and it’s still celebrated today for its versatility and delicious taste.

Cooking Tips

Crispy Sear Secret: For the best golden crust, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the cod fillets. Pat the fish dry thoroughly with paper towels before seasoning and dredging in flour to help achieve that perfect crispy exterior. Butter It Up: Don’t skimp on the butter in the sauce! The butter combined with the lemon juice creates a silky, rich sauce that makes the dish extra luxurious. Zest for Extra Flavor: Be sure to use fresh lemon zest in the sauce—it adds an extra layer of citrusy brightness that complements the buttery richness beautifully.

Optional Variations

Garlic Lovers: If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or two to the sauce for a more pronounced garlicky kick. Herb Swap: Swap the parsley for fresh dill or basil for a different flavor twist that still pairs beautifully with the lemon butter sauce. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon butter sauce for a little bit of heat to balance out the zesty, buttery flavors.

Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon Butter Recipe

Ingredients:

Cod

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

Lemon Butter Sauce

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth or white wine
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge each fillet in flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Sear the Cod: Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the cod fillets. Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the cod from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth or white wine and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, cooking for another minute.
4. Finish the Dish: Return the cod fillets to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top to coat the fish. Allow the cod to warm through for 1-2 minutes.
5. Serve: Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the cod fillets and serve with lemon wedges. Enjoy!

Final Thoughts

This Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon Butter is the perfect quick and elegant dinner, combining the delicate flavors of cod with the rich, tangy punch of lemon butter sauce. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress with its fresh, vibrant flavors and easy preparation. So, grab your skillet and get ready to wow your taste buds with this seafood masterpiece!