Golden Seared Cod with Herb Butter Sauce: A Luxurious Yet Simple Recipe for Any Occasion
Ever come home craving something comforting yet elegant? That’s how this golden seared cod with herb butter sauce became a favorite in my kitchen! With its flaky, mild flavor and rich buttery sauce, it feels like a restaurant-quality meal—yet it’s so easy to make. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, this dish is a winner. Plus, cod is packed with protein and omega-3s, making it a deliciously healthy choice. Serve it with mashed potatoes, quinoa, or a crisp green salad for a perfectly balanced meal. Try it tonight—you won’t regret it!
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 20 min
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 1/2 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, snipped
Instructions
- Prep the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Cod: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Carefully place the cod fillets in the skillet and cook for about 4 minutes on one side, until the underside is a crisp golden brown.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Gently flip the cod using a spatula and cook for another 3 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Keep Warm: Remove the cod from the skillet and keep it warm on a plate tented with foil.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and garlic, cooking until the butter has melted and the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add Herbs and Lemon: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the lemon juice, parsley, dill, and chives.
- Serve: Spoon the herb butter sauce over the warm cod fillets and serve immediately.
Notes
- Substitute Fish: If you’re not a fan of cod, feel free to substitute it with another type of white fish like halibut or tilapia.
- Add Zing: For an extra zing, grate some lemon zest into the herb butter sauce.
- Dried Herbs: If you’re short on time, dried herbs can be used in a pinch – just remember to use them sparingly as they have a more concentrated flavor than fresh herbs.
- Leftovers: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and gently reheat in the oven for best results.
- Pro Tip: Keep your fish fillets around the same thickness for even cooking, and don’t overcrowd your skillet – giving each piece its space means better sear and more flavor.
Nutrition
- Calories: 280 kcal pretzel
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g