🍽️ FittestMe.aiFoodsNutrients

Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon Butter Recipe

American · Main course · 17 min total

This simple yet elegant dish features perfectly seared cod fillets with a crispy golden crust, finished with a rich and tangy lemon butter sauce. Ready in under 20 minutes, it's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

• 4 (6-ounce) cod fillets, skinless
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 tablespoon capers, drained (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Dredge lightly in flour, shaking off excess.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons butter and olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until butter melts and foam subsides.
3. Place cod fillets in skillet, presentation side down. Cook without moving for 4 minutes, until golden brown. Flip and cook 3-4 minutes more until fish is opaque and flakes easily. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic to skillet; cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in wine or broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer until reduced by half, about 1 minute.
5. Remove from heat. Whisk in lemon juice and cold butter pieces until melted and sauce is creamy. Stir in capers if using.
6. Return cod to skillet, spoon sauce over. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

Tips

• Use a fish spatula for easy flipping.
• Substitute halibut or sea bass for cod if desired.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet.

More about Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon Butter →

AI estimate may be inaccurate · Terms