Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce – A Restaurant-Worthy Dish

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Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Cod

  1. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels—this ensures a perfect sear.
  2. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Lightly coat each fillet in flour, shaking off any excess. This creates a delicate, golden crust.

Step 2: Pan-Sear the Cod

  1. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Once the butter is sizzling, add the cod fillets. Cook for 3–4 minutes on the first side until golden and crisp.
  3. Gently flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily and reaches 60°C (140°F) internally.
  4. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

  1. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and melt the remaining butter.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (do not let it brown).
  3. Pour in lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.
  4. For a lighter sauce, stir in broth and simmer for 1 minute.
  5. Finish with lemon zest (if using) and chopped parsley. Season to taste.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

  1. Return the cod to the pan, spooning the sauce over each fillet for 30 seconds to warm through.
  2. Plate the cod, drizzle with remaining sauce, and serve with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad.

Final Thoughts:

This Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce delivers a gourmet experience at home—tender, flaky fish with a crisp exterior, bathed in a rich, tangy sauce. Perfect for both quick weeknight dinners and special occasions, it’s a dish that impresses effortlessly.

Bon Appétit!

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Cod

  1. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels—this ensures a perfect sear.
  2. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Lightly coat each fillet in flour, shaking off any excess. This creates a delicate, golden crust.

Step 2: Pan-Sear the Cod

  1. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Once the butter is sizzling, add the cod fillets. Cook for 3–4 minutes on the first side until golden and crisp.
  3. Gently flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily and reaches 60°C (140°F) internally.
  4. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

  1. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and melt the remaining butter.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (do not let it brown).
  3. Pour in lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.
  4. For a lighter sauce, stir in broth and simmer for 1 minute.
  5. Finish with lemon zest (if using) and chopped parsley. Season to taste.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

  1. Return the cod to the pan, spooning the sauce over each fillet for 30 seconds to warm through.
  2. Plate the cod, drizzle with remaining sauce, and serve with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad.

Final Thoughts:

This Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce delivers a gourmet experience at home—tender, flaky fish with a crisp exterior, bathed in a rich, tangy sauce. Perfect for both quick weeknight dinners and special occasions, it’s a dish that impresses effortlessly.

Bon Appétit!

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