Lemon Butter Pan Seared Cod is a delightful dish that combines tender, flaky cod fillets with a rich and flavorful lemon butter sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering a delicious and elegant meal with minimal effort. Follow this guide to create a perfectly pan-seared cod that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets, each weighing 6 ounces (170 g) and approximately 1 inch thick
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons (40 g) unsalted butter, cold, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Prepare the Cod Fillets
- Pat Dry: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Prepare Seasoned Flour: Mix all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish.
- Dredge the Cod: Lightly coat each cod fillet in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
Pan Sear the Cod
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Cook Cod: Add the cod fillets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The cod should be fully cooked and flake effortlessly with a fork.
- Remove and Keep Warm: Transfer the cooked cod fillets to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce
- Melt Butter: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of cold unsalted butter. Allow it to melt.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Chicken Stock: Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a simmer. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to let the liquid reduce a bit.
- Add Lemon Juice: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter. Mix until the butter is fully melted and the sauce has a smooth consistency.
- Season: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Serve
- Plate the Cod: Place the cod fillets on serving plates.
- Add Sauce: Spoon the lemon butter sauce over the cod fillets.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the lemon butter pan-seared cod hot, with your choice of side dishes such as steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Conclusion
This Lemon Butter Pan Seared Cod is a simple yet elegant dish that brings together the delicate flavor of cod with a rich and tangy lemon butter sauce. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is easy to prepare and sure to impress. Enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and the tender, flaky texture of the cod. Happy cooking!