Pan-Seared Cod with Citrus-Herb Butter
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, European
Keyword: cod recipe, easy weeknight dinner, lemon herb sauce, pan fried fish, Pan-Seared Cod with Citrus-Herb Butter
- 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
Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and pour in the olive oil.
Season the cod fillets on both sides with salt and pepper, patting them dry beforehand.
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.
Reduce the heat to medium and wipe out any leftover bits in the pan, if needed.
Add butter to the pan and allow it to melt completely, swirling occasionally.
Pour in the lemon juice and sprinkle in the chopped herbs, stirring gently to combine.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.
Spoon the warm citrus-herb butter over the cooked cod fillets.
Garnish with extra fresh herbs or a lemon wedge if desired, and serve immediately.
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.
Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 600kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.02g | Protein: 107g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 278mg | Sodium: 325mg | Potassium: 2480mg | Fiber: 0.01g | Sugar: 0.01g | Vitamin A: 473IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 98mg | Iron: 2mg