Description
Golden, flaky cod seared in a hot skillet and finished with a silky lemon butter sauce, fresh parsley, and a kiss of garlic. Elegant enough for guests, easy enough for a weeknight.
Ingredients
- Cod fillets: 4 pieces, about 6 oz each
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Fresh lemon juice: from 2 lemons
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped
- Kosher salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground
- Lemon wedges and extra parsley: for serving, optional
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Place a heavy skillet over medium high heat until hot.
- Combine Ingredients: Pat cod dry, then season all over with salt and pepper.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Add olive oil to the hot skillet and let it shimmer.
- Assemble the Dish: Lay the cod fillets in the skillet, skin side down if applicable, without crowding.
- Cook to Perfection: Sear 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and the flesh flakes easily. Transfer cod to warm plates.
- Finishing Touches: In a small saucepan melt butter over medium heat, add minced garlic and cook 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant, stir in fresh lemon juice and parsley, then season to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the lemon butter sauce over the cod, garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Note: Patting the fish very dry helps build a golden crust.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- Let the cooked cod rest 1 minute before saucing so juices settle.
- Double the sauce if you love extra for potatoes, rice, or greens.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: pan seared cod, lemon butter cod, easy fish dinner, weeknight seafood, flaky white fish