Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon-Butter
Tender, flaky cod fillets seared to golden perfection and drizzled with a bright, zesty lemon-butter sauce. A quick and elegant weeknight dinner ready in under 20 minutes.
For 2 servings
Prepare Ingredients
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Mince the two garlic cloves finely. Chop the two tablespoons of fresh parsley. Slice the lemon into wedges for serving. Season the cod with a pinch of salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels.
- Mince the garlic cloves finely.
- Chop the fresh parsley.
- Slice the lemon into wedges for serving.
- Season the cod with salt and pepper on both sides.
Sear the Cod Fillets
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the seasoned cod fillets presentation-side down into the hot pan. Sear for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and a crust forms.
TIPAvoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure a good sear on each fillet.Flip and Finish Cooking
Gently flip the cod fillets. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and the minced garlic to the pan. Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes, basting the fish with the melted butter and garlic mixture until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Deglaze with Lemon
Carefully remove the cooked cod fillets from the pan and set aside on a plate. Squeeze the juice from half of the lemon directly into the hot pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 30 seconds to create a quick pan sauce.
Garnish and Serve
Return the seared cod fillets to the pan or place them on individual serving plates. Pour the warm lemon-butter sauce evenly over each piece of cod. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with the remaining lemon wedges.
TIPServe with a side of roasted asparagus or a light green salad for a complete and refreshing meal.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For an extra rich sauce, use brown butter. Simply let the butter cook a minute longer until it foams and develops nutty-smelling brown specks before adding the garlic.
- 2If you have skin-on fillets, start searing with the skin-side down to get it extra crispy.
- 3This sauce is also delicious with other white fish like halibut, haddock, or tilapia.
- 4A splash of white wine can be added to the pan before the lemon juice for a more complex sauce. Let it reduce by half before adding the juice.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
Use only 1 tbsp of olive oil for searing and reduce butter to 1 tsp per serving. Add more fresh herbs like dill for flavor.
dairy freeDairy free
Replace the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative or use an additional tablespoon of olive oil for the sauce.
low carbLow carb
This dish is naturally low-carb. Serve with steamed asparagus, zucchini noodles, or a side salad instead of grains.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Cod provides high-quality protein that is essential for building and repairing tissues, without a high fat content.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Contains beneficial omega-3s, which are known to support heart health by reducing inflammation and improving cholesterol levels.
Supports Brain Health
The combination of omega-3s and B vitamins in cod contributes to healthy brain function and can help improve concentration and memory.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, cod is a fantastic source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids. This recipe is very healthy, focusing on simple ingredients. The fats used are heart-healthy olive oil and a moderate amount of butter for flavor.