Lemon Butter Pan Seared Cod
Try this quick and easy Lemon Butter Pan Seared Cod recipe! With just a few ingredients, you can prepare a tasty dinner in 20 minutes. Tender cod fillets are pan-seared and topped with a savory garlic butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Servings: 3 servings
Calories: 391kcal
Ingredients
- 4 6-oz cod fillets about 1 inch thick
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For The Lemon Butter Sauce
- 1 lemon medium
- 3 tbsp butter melted
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh garlic minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Pat dry the cod fillets with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season both sides of the cod fillets with the seasoning, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet.
- Carefully place the seasoned cod fillets into the hot skillet.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature must reach 145°F (63°C) for the fish to be fully cooked.
- Once cooked, transfer the cod fillets to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Make the Lemon Butter Sauce. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic.
- Cook over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden.
- Add the melted butter to the skillet, followed by the lemon zest and juice. Season with salt and pepper, then stir well to combine.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for about 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Once the sauce is ready, return the cooked cod fillets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them to coat them evenly.
- Heat another minute, allowing the cod fillets to soak up some of the sauce flavors.
- Remove from heat and transfer the cod fillets to serving plates.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy.
Video
Notes
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels before cooking to help achieve a perfect sear.
- Make sure your pan is hot before adding the fish to ensure a crispy, golden crust.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh off the stove to maintain its flaky and tender texture.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 391kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 128mg | Sodium: 1185mg | Potassium: 1038mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 727IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 1mg | Net Carbs: 5g