This golden seared cod and herb butter sauce really sings when served alongside fluffy mashed potatoes or a bed of seasoned quinoa to soak up all that buttery goodness. For a fresh and balanced meal, pair it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans. When you’re feeling indulgent, a slice of crusty bread to dip in the sauce is absolutely divine.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 (6-ounce) cod fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, snipped
Instructions
- Prepare the Cod:
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps achieve a nice sear. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. - Heat the Skillet:
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and heat until it shimmers but does not smoke. - Sear the Cod:
Carefully place the cod fillets in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Let the fillets cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes, until the underside is a crisp, golden brown. - Flip and Finish Cooking:
Using a spatula, gently flip each cod fillet. Cook for another 3 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. - Keep the Cod Warm:
Remove the cooked cod from the skillet and place on a warm plate. Tent loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce. - Make the Herb Butter Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the garlic is fragrant but not browned. - Add Fresh Herbs and Lemon:
Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the lemon juice, chopped parsley, dill, and chives until well combined. - Serve:
Spoon the warm herb butter sauce over the cod fillets. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Variations & Tips
- Substitute cod with other white fish such as halibut or tilapia if preferred.
- Add lemon zest to the herb butter sauce for an extra citrus zing.
- In a pinch, dried herbs can replace fresh ones—use sparingly as they have a stronger flavor.
- Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and gently reheated in the oven.
- Ensure fish fillets are similar thickness for even cooking, and avoid overcrowding the skillet for a better sear and flavor.
Golden Seared Cod with Herb Butter Sauce
- Yield: Servings: 4
Description
This golden seared cod and herb butter sauce really sings when served alongside fluffy mashed potatoes or a bed of seasoned quinoa to soak up all that buttery goodness. For a fresh and balanced meal, pair it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans. When you’re feeling indulgent, a slice of crusty bread to dip in the sauce is absolutely divine.
Ingredients
-
4 (6-ounce) cod fillets
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
-
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
-
1 garlic clove, minced
-
Juice of ½ lemon
-
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
-
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
-
1 tablespoon fresh chives, snipped
Instructions
-
Prepare the Cod:
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps achieve a nice sear. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. -
Heat the Skillet:
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and heat until it shimmers but does not smoke. -
Sear the Cod:
Carefully place the cod fillets in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Let the fillets cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes, until the underside is a crisp, golden brown. -
Flip and Finish Cooking:
Using a spatula, gently flip each cod fillet. Cook for another 3 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. -
Keep the Cod Warm:
Remove the cooked cod from the skillet and place on a warm plate. Tent loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce. -
Make the Herb Butter Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the garlic is fragrant but not browned. -
Add Fresh Herbs and Lemon:
Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the lemon juice, chopped parsley, dill, and chives until well combined.
-
Serve:
Spoon the warm herb butter sauce over the cod fillets. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Notes
-
Substitute cod with other white fish such as halibut or tilapia if preferred.
-
Add lemon zest to the herb butter sauce for an extra citrus zing.
-
In a pinch, dried herbs can replace fresh ones—use sparingly as they have a stronger flavor.
-
Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and gently reheated in the oven.
-
Ensure fish fillets are similar thickness for even cooking, and avoid overcrowding the skillet for a better sear and flavor.