When you crave a seafood dish that’s quick, delicious, and elegant, there’s nothing quite like Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce. This recipe features tender cod fillets seared to golden perfection, drizzled with a zesty lemon butter sauce that’s absolutely bursting with flavor. It’s a fantastic meal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, showcasing the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary.
Why you’ll love this dish
What makes Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce truly special? First, it’s a breeze to whip up—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Cod, a flaky white fish, cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully, making it a favorite among seafood lovers.
This dish is not only quick and budget-friendly but also offers a refined taste that feels indulgent. Plus, the lemon butter sauce adds a brightness that elevates the cod to star status on your dinner table.
"Absolutely delightful! The cod was perfectly seared and the lemon butter sauce was the perfect finish. This is going into my regular rotation!"
Preparing Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce
Getting this dish on your table is simple and engaging. Start by prepping your cod, ensuring it’s seasoned just right. Next, you’ll sear it in a hot skillet to develop a rich, golden crust. Lastly, you’ll create the lemon butter sauce in the same pan, soaking up all those lovely flavors leftover from the fish.
What you’ll need
To make Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (to start the sauce)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (for the sauce)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Note: Feel free to swap the cod with any firm white fish, like halibut or tilapia, based on availability or preference.
