Pan-fried Cod with Lemon-Herb Butter Sauce

If you’re craving a light, flavorful meal that’s quick and easy, this Pan-Fried Cod with Lemon-Herb Butter Sauce is exactly what you need! Tender, flaky cod fillets are pan-seared to golden perfection and drizzled with a vibrant, buttery sauce packed with fresh herbs and bright lemon flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or an elegant seafood dinner at home.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
Fresh and Light – Perfect for a healthy, satisfying meal.
Elegant and Delicious – Great for everyday dinners or special occasions.
Simple Ingredients – Pantry staples and fresh herbs make magic.
Customizable – Works beautifully with other mild white fish too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cod:

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter

For the Lemon-Herb Butter Sauce:

• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)

Optional Garnishes:

• Lemon slices or wedges
• Extra fresh herbs

Tools You’ll Need

• Large nonstick or stainless steel skillet
• Spatula
• Small saucepan (optional for sauce)
• Tongs or fish spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cod
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels.
Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Lightly dredge each fillet in flour, shaking off any excess.

Step 2: Pan-Fry the Cod
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
When the butter is melted and foamy, add the cod fillets.
Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Transfer the cooked cod to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Lemon-Herb Butter Sauce
In the same skillet (or a small saucepan), melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, dill, chives, and red pepper flakes if using.
Simmer gently for 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 4: Finish and Serve
Spoon the warm lemon-herb butter sauce generously over the pan-fried cod fillets.
Garnish with extra herbs and lemon slices if desired.
Serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Pan-Fried Cod
Pat the Fish Dry – This helps the cod sear beautifully and prevents sticking.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming.
Use Gentle Heat – Medium heat gives you a golden crust without drying out the fish.
Handle Carefully – Cod is delicate; use a fish spatula to flip it gently.
Serve Right Away – Fish is best enjoyed hot and fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions
Rice Pilaf – Light and fluffy rice soaks up the buttery sauce beautifully.
Steamed Vegetables – Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are great choices.
Crispy Roasted Potatoes – A hearty side that pairs perfectly.
Simple Green Salad – Fresh greens with a lemon vinaigrette balance the richness.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Store leftover cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat gently at 300°F (150°C) for about 8-10 minutes.
• Stovetop: Warm in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth.

Note: Reheating fish can dry it out, so reheat gently and only until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen cod?
   Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking for best results.
2. What other fish can I use?
   Haddock, halibut, tilapia, or sole are great mild white fish substitutes.
3. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Sure! Use dairy-free butter or olive oil for the sauce.
4. Is it very lemony?
   The lemon flavor is bright but balanced. Adjust to taste if you prefer more or less lemon.
5. Can I bake the cod instead of frying?
   Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, then spoon the lemon-herb butter sauce over before serving.

Final Thoughts
This Pan-Fried Cod with Lemon-Herb Butter Sauce is a light yet luxurious dish that’s easy enough for a busy night but elegant enough for guests. With flaky cod and a luscious, herby sauce, it’s bound to become a regular favorite.

Try it out and let us know how you enjoyed it! Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your beautiful plates on Pinterest or Instagram.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 320 | Protein: 32g | Carbohydrates: 6g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 400mg

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