Golden Seared Cod with Herb Butter Sauce is the perfect combination of elegance and simplicity.
This recipe showcases the mild, tender cod fillets, beautifully seared to golden perfection and draped in a tangy lemon-herb butter sauce. Whether you’re aiming for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for a special occasion, this dish will delight your taste buds.
The contrast of the flaky cod with the richness of the butter sauce makes each bite irresistible. The lemon’s zest adds a brightness that cuts through the butter’s richness, while fresh herbs deliver an aromatic depth. This seafood recipe is easy to master but feels gourmet enough to elevate any dinner setting.
With just a few ingredients and a handful of minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table. Get ready to impress your guests or family with this Golden Seared Cod with Herb Butter Sauce recipe, perfect for seafood lovers and novices alike!
Essential Ingredients for Seared Cod and Sauce
For the Cod:
- Cod fillets – The star of the dish, cod brings a mild flavor and tender texture, perfect for absorbing the rich sauce.
- Olive oil – Helps achieve that golden, crispy crust on the outside while keeping the fish moist inside.
- Salt and pepper – Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the cod.
For the Lemon-Herb Butter Sauce:
- Butter – Provides richness and creaminess to the sauce, tying everything together.
- Lemon juice – Adds acidity and brightness, balancing the richness of the butter.
- Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or dill) – Infuse the sauce with vibrant flavor and aroma.
- Salt and pepper – Adjusts the seasoning of the sauce to your taste.
Steps to a Perfect Seared Cod Dish
Searing and Sauce-Making Made Simple
Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat and warming the olive oil until it shimmers. Meanwhile, pat the cod fillets dry and season them with salt and pepper to bring out the fish’s delicate flavor.
Carefully place the fillets into the hot skillet, searing each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden and the fish flakes easily. Remove the cod and set aside while you craft the luscious butter sauce.
Lower the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same pan, letting it coat the bottom evenly. Add fresh lemon juice and chopped herbs to create a vibrant and aromatic sauce. Season to taste, then pour the warm, buttery goodness over your perfectly seared cod fillets.
Mastering the Perfect Seared Cod: Tips & Variations
Achieving a golden sear on your cod depends on having the right temperature and using a hot skillet. Make sure your pan is hot enough before adding the fish, as this will help create a crispy crust without burning the delicate flesh. When in doubt, test the fish for doneness by gently flaking it with a fork—it should easily pull apart when cooked through.
Feel free to mix up the herbs based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Fresh dill lends a fresh, slightly tangy note to the sauce, while thyme adds a more earthy flavor. Parsley is the most versatile and widely used, delivering a mild herbaceous taste.
For a richer sauce, let the butter simmer and reduce slightly after you remove the cod from the pan. This will give the sauce a thicker, more indulgent texture that coats the fish even better.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Golden Seared Cod with Herb Butter Sauce is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat in a skillet or microwave to avoid overcooking the fish, which can cause it to dry out.
Golden Seared Cod with Herb Butter Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cod:
- 4 cod fillets about 6 oz each
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Lemon-Herb Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Juice from 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh herbs parsley, thyme, or dill
Instructions
- Begin by heating a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil to the pan and allow it to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- As the pan heats up, use paper towels to pat the cod fillets dry. Season both sides of the fish with salt and pepper.
- Carefully lay the seasoned cod fillets into the hot oil. Cook each side for approximately 4-5 minutes, until the fillets are opaque and flake easily when tested with a fork. Once done, transfer the cod to a warm plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium. If needed, clear away any leftover bits from the pan. Add butter and let it melt, swirling the pan gently to ensure it coats evenly.
- Once the butter is melted, stir in the fresh lemon juice and herbs. Combine thoroughly and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Generously spoon the lemon-herb butter sauce over the seared cod fillets. If desired, garnish with extra fresh herbs or lemon wedges before serving immediately.
Notes
Achieving a Golden Sear: Ensure the skillet is hot enough to create a beautiful golden crust on the fish without burning.
Fish Doneness: Test the fish by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the fillet—if it flakes easily, it’s ready.
Thicker Sauce Option: For a thicker sauce, remove the cod from the pan and simmer the butter mixture a bit longer to reduce before serving.