How To Make Pan Seared Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

Elevate your weeknight dinners with “Elegant Simplicity: Lemon Butter Pan Seared Cod.” This dish features tender, flaky cod fillets pan-seared to perfection and drizzled with a luscious lemon butter sauce. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal, this recipe is as delightful to eat as it is easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love Lemon Butter Pan Seared Cod:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthy: Cod is a lean, protein-rich fish that pairs beautifully with fresh lemon and butter.
• Flavorful: The lemon butter sauce adds a rich and tangy flavor to the delicate cod.
• Elegant: Perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients Notes For Lemon Butter Pan Seared Cod:

• Cod Fillets: Fresh or thawed cod fillets, patted dry.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for the best flavor.
• Butter: Unsalted butter for a rich, creamy sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for a burst of flavor.
• Olive Oil: For searing the cod fillets.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped for garnish.

Recipe Steps:

1. Prepare the Cod Fillets:
   • Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Cod Fillets:
   • In a large skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the cod fillets. Sear the fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove the fillets from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and allow it to melt. Add 3-4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Stir in 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and let the sauce simmer for another 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Combine and Serve:
   • Return the seared cod fillets to the skillet, spooning the lemon butter sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat the fish through.
   • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Storage Options:

• Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out.

How To Make Pan Seared Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

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Ingredients

 

Prepare the Cod:

• ▢ Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
• ▢ Lightly dredge each fillet in flour shaking off any excess.

Sear the Cod:

• ▢ Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• ▢ Once the skillet is hot add the cod fillets. Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.
• ▢ Remove the cod from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Make the Lemon Butter Sauce:

• ▢ In the same skillet add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrant.
• ▢ Pour in the chicken broth or white wine and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.
• ▢ Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. Cook for another minute.
• ▢ Return the cod fillets to the skillet spooning the sauce over the top to coat the fish.

Finish and Serve:

• ▢ Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the cod fillets.
• ▢ Serve the cod with the lemon butter sauce drizzled on top and garnish with lemon wedges.

Instructions

Prepare the Cod:

• Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
• Lightly dredge each fillet in flour, shaking off any excess.

Sear the Cod:

• Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Once the skillet is hot, add the cod fillets. Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.
• Remove the cod from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Make the Lemon Butter Sauce:

• In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrant.
• Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.
• Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. Cook for another minute.
• Return the cod fillets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top to coat the fish.

Finish and Serve:

• Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the cod fillets.
• Serve the cod with the lemon butter sauce drizzled on top, and garnish with lemon wedges.