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Pan fried cod with lemon herb butter sauce in a skillet

Pan-Seared Cod with Citrus-Herb Butter

Tender cod fillets are elevated with a bright, fragrant citrus-herb butter, making every bite delightfully flavorful.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, European
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cod fillets about 6 ounces each patted dry
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil for searing fish
  • Salt to taste preferably kosher
  • Black pepper freshly ground to taste
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter for the sauce softened
  • Juice of 1 large lemon about 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh herbs parsley thyme and/or dill adjust to taste

Method
 

  1. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and pour in the olive oil.
  2. Season the cod fillets on both sides with salt and pepper, patting them dry beforehand.
  3. Place the fillets in the hot oil and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until the fish turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove and keep warm.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium and wipe out any leftover bits in the pan, if needed.
  5. Add butter to the pan and allow it to melt completely, swirling occasionally.
  6. Pour in the lemon juice and sprinkle in the chopped herbs, stirring gently to combine.
  7. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.
  8. Spoon the warm citrus-herb butter over the cooked cod fillets.
  9. Garnish with extra fresh herbs or a lemon wedge if desired, and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 0.02gProtein: 107gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 278mgSodium: 325mgPotassium: 2480mgFiber: 0.01gSugar: 0.01gVitamin A: 473IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 98mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Whisk together this buttery herb sauce for an effortlessly elegant dinner that feels special yet comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for family weeknights or impressing guests with minimal fuss.

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