Golden Seared Cod with Herb Butter Sauce

Golden Seared Cod with Herb Butter Sauce is a simple yet sophisticated dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

The flaky cod is perfectly seared to a golden brown, then topped with a rich, buttery sauce infused with fresh herbs and a hint of lemon. Serve it with your favorite side dishes for a complete, restaurant-quality meal.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large skillet (preferably non-stick or stainless steel)
• Spatula
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk

Ingredients

For the Cod:
4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter

For the Herb Butter Sauce:
3 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Season the Cod:
   Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Sear the Cod:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cod fillets and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the fillets from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Herb Butter Sauce:
   In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Deglaze the Pan:
   Add the chicken or vegetable broth and lemon juice to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Add Herbs and Finish:
   Stir in the parsley and dill. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Serve:
   Return the seared cod to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Total Time

25 minutes

Nutrition (Per Serving, based on 4 servings)

Calories: 290
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fat: 21g
Sugar: 0g

Expert Tips

Choose Fresh Cod: Look for firm, translucent fillets with a fresh, ocean-like smell for the best results.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the cod in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.

Keep the Cod Warm: If cooking in batches, place the cooked fillets in a warm oven (200°F) to keep them hot.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.

Can I use other herbs?
Absolutely! Basil, chives, or tarragon are great alternatives to parsley and dill.

How do I know the cod is cooked?
The fillets should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when fully cooked.

Storing & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.

Substitutions & Variations

White Fish Alternatives: Use haddock, halibut, or tilapia if cod is unavailable.

Dairy-Free Option: Replace butter with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or vegan butter.

Zesty Variation: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Golden Seared Cod with Herb Butter Sauce

Golden Seared Cod with Herb Butter Sauce is a simple yet sophisticated dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Equipment

• - Large skillet (preferably non-stick or stainless steel)
• Spatula
• - Mixing bowl
• Whisk

Ingredients

  

• **For the Cod:**
• 4 cod fillets about 6 oz each
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• **For the Herb Butter Sauce:**
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• **Season the Cod:**
• Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
• **Sear the Cod:**
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cod fillets and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the fillets from the skillet and set aside.
• **Prepare the Herb Butter Sauce:**
• In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• **Deglaze the Pan:**
• Add the chicken or vegetable broth and lemon juice to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
• **Add Herbs and Finish:**
• Stir in the parsley and dill. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
• **Serve:**
• Return the seared cod to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.