If you love seafood but hesitate to cook it at home, this Pan-Fried Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce will change your mind. It’s the kind of recipe that looks and tastes like it came straight out of a high-end restaurant, yet it’s wonderfully simple to make.
The cod fillets turn out perfectly golden and crisp on the outside, while staying tender and flaky within. Add a buttery, garlicky lemon sauce — and you’ve got a dish that’s elegant, comforting, and irresistibly flavorful.
🌟 Why This Recipe Stands Out
✅ Elegant yet easy: No fancy equipment or advanced cooking skills needed.
✅ Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
✅ Flavor-packed: The tangy lemon butter sauce enhances the mild, delicate cod.
✅ Versatile: Pairs beautifully with sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or a crisp green salad.
This is the kind of meal that reminds you how simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Cod
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels — this step is key for a crisp sear. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Tip: Moisture is the enemy of crispness, so make sure the fish is completely dry before it hits the pan.
2. Sear the Fish
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully lay the cod fillets in the pan.
Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and opaque throughout. Avoid moving the fish while it’s cooking — letting it sit helps form that beautiful crust.
When done, transfer the fillets to a plate and set aside.
3. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low. In the same pan, add the butter and minced garlic. Let the butter melt and the garlic cook gently for about 1–2 minutes, stirring often so it doesn’t burn.
As soon as the garlic turns fragrant, stir in the lemon juice. Let the sauce bubble gently for another minute to blend the flavors.
4. Finish and Serve
Return the cod fillets to the skillet briefly, spooning the lemon butter sauce over each piece so it soaks up that rich, tangy flavor.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving for a burst of color and freshness.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This pan-fried cod pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Try one (or several!) of these combinations for a complete meal:
- 🥦 Steamed asparagus or green beans — light and crisp.
- 🥔 Garlic mashed potatoes or creamy risotto — for something comforting.
- 🥗 Fresh garden salad or citrus slaw — a refreshing contrast to the rich sauce.
- 🍋 Extra lemon wedges on the side — because you can never have too much brightness.
🔥 Tips for Perfect Pan-Fried Cod
- Start with fresh fish: Fresh, firm cod gives the best texture and flavor.
- Dry thoroughly: Always pat the fillets dry before cooking for a golden sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: If needed, cook in batches to ensure even browning.
- Customize your sauce: Add a splash of white wine, capers, or red pepper flakes for extra flair.
🕕 Make It Ahead or Store Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a bit of butter to keep the fish moist.
- Don’t microwave: It can dry out the delicate texture of the cod.
💬 Final Thoughts
This Pan-Fried Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce proves that restaurant-quality meals don’t have to be complicated. It’s elegant yet effortless — perfect for both special occasions and quick weekday dinners.
The buttery lemon sauce ties everything together, adding brightness and richness to every bite. Once you try it, you’ll see why this dish quickly becomes a household favorite.
✨ Crispy, flaky, buttery, and fresh — it’s the kind of meal that makes any night feel like a special occasion.
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