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Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 27 reviews
  • Author: Elina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Western
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce recipe offers a delicate, flaky cod fillet pan-cooked to golden perfection and served with a tangy, buttery lemon sauce. Ideal for a quick and elegant dinner, this dish balances simple seasoning with bright citrus notes, making it a versatile meal served best with sautéed spinach, steamed potatoes, or fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 7 oz fresh cod fillets
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 1/2 tbsp salted butter

Sauce (A)

  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cod: Rinse the cod fillets under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides lightly with salt and pepper and let rest for 10 minutes to enhance flavor and reduce any fishy odor.
  2. Dry and flour the fillets: Pat the cod dry again to remove any excess moisture. Dredge each fillet evenly in the tablespoon of all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to ensure a light coating.
  3. Heat the pan and add oil: Place the olive oil into a skillet. Arrange the cod fillets skin-side down in the oil before turning on the heat to allow the fish to gradually come up to temperature, which helps maintain a tender texture.
  4. Cook the cod: Over low heat, cook the fillets for 5 to 7 minutes until the skin side is golden brown. Blot away any excess oil with a paper towel to keep the dish light.
  5. Flip and baste: Gently turn the fillets over. Add the 1 1/2 tablespoons of salted butter to the pan. Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted butter over the fish repeatedly as it cooks on the second side for 2 to 3 minutes to infuse flavor and moisture.
  6. Make the lemon butter sauce: Remove the cod from the pan and to the remaining butter add the lemon juice and sugar from the sauce ingredients (A). Stir gently over low heat to combine into a smooth, tangy sauce.
  7. Plate and serve: Serve the cod fillets skin-side up (the side cooked first) to retain a crisp texture. Drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the fish. Pair with sautéed spinach, steamed potatoes, or your preferred vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Fresh cod can be substituted with salmon for a different flavor profile.
  • Adding a splash of soy sauce to the lemon butter sauce enhances the umami and depth of flavor.
  • Washing the cod and seasoning it before patting dry helps remove any unwanted fishiness, improving overall taste.
  • Starting the cooking in a cold pan and maintaining a low heat ensures a tender, plump fish texture.
  • Recommended side dishes include spinach, potatoes, tomatoes, or carrots to add color and variety.

Find it online: https://recipes.mbeams.com/pan-seared-cod-with-lemon-butter-sauce-recipe/