Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite way to cook cod! This pan seared cod with lemon butter is nothing short of a culinary hug on a plate. Picture this: perfectly cooked cod, golden brown on the outside and flaky on the inside, bathed in a luscious lemon butter sauce that brightens every bite. The combination of the rich butter and the zesty lemon creates a flavor explosion that just sings of the sea. It’s like a mini celebration of fresh seafood right in your kitchen!
What I love most about this recipe is how quick and easy it is to whip up. In just 25 minutes, you can create a dish that feels fancy enough for a dinner party but is simple enough for a weeknight meal. The aroma that fills your kitchen while the cod cooks? Oh wow, it’s absolutely irresistible! Trust me, you’re going to want to make this again and again. So, let’s dive in and get cooking this delightful dish that’s sure to impress your taste buds and anyone lucky enough to share it with you!
Ingredients List
To make this amazing pan seared cod with lemon butter, you’ll need the following fresh ingredients:
- 2 fillets of cod (fresh or thawed) – Look for those beautiful, flaky fillets that will cook up perfectly!
- 4 tbsp of unsalted butter – This is where the magic happens! Butter adds richness and flavor.
- 1 lemon (juice) – Freshly squeezed, because nothing beats that bright, zesty flavor!
- 1 clove of garlic (minced) – Adds a lovely aromatic touch to the sauce.
- 1 tsp of parsley (chopped, for garnish) – A pop of color and freshness to finish off the dish.
Make sure to gather these ingredients before you start cooking. Trust me, it makes the process so much smoother and more enjoyable!
How to Prepare Pan Seared Cod Lemon Butter
Step 1: Prepare the Skillet
First things first, let’s get that skillet nice and hot! Heat your trusty skillet over medium-high heat, and once it’s shimmering, toss in about a tablespoon of unsalted butter. You want it to melt and start bubbling, but be careful not to let it brown too much. This is where the magic of that buttery flavor begins!
Step 2: Cook the Cod
Now, it’s time for the star of the show: the cod! Season both sides of your cod fillets generously with salt and pepper. Once the butter is ready, gently place the fillets in the skillet. You should hear a delightful sizzle! Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on one side until they’re beautifully golden brown. Don’t rush this part; let them get that gorgeous crust! After 4-5 minutes, carefully flip the fillets over using your spatula and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the other side. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when it’s done. Just like that, you’re creating a perfect piece of cod!
Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
Once your cod is cooked to perfection, transfer it to a plate and set it aside for a moment. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter along with the minced garlic and freshly squeezed lemon juice. This is where things get exciting! Let it cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring gently, until the sauce thickens slightly and fills your kitchen with that incredible aroma. Wow, it’s going to be hard to resist diving right in!
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Now, pour that gorgeous lemon butter sauce right over the cod fillets. Don’t be shy; make sure each piece is beautifully coated! Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for that extra pop of color and freshness. Serve this delightful dish alongside a side of steamed vegetables or fluffy rice to soak up all that luscious sauce. Trust me, your dinner just became a total showstopper!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note – the nutritional information for this pan seared cod with lemon butter can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Factors like the type of butter or the size of your cod fillets can change things up a bit. So, while I can’t provide exact nutritional values, I encourage you to enjoy this delicious dish while keeping in mind your own dietary needs!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: In just 25 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of pan-seared cod and zesty lemon butter creates a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing!
- Healthy Option: Cod is a lean source of protein, packed with nutrients, making this dish a heart-healthy choice.
- Perfect for Dinner: Whether it’s a cozy family meal or a dinner party, this dish impresses everyone and feels special.
- Versatile Pairings: It pairs beautifully with a variety of sides like vegetables, rice, or even a fresh salad, allowing for endless meal combinations.
Trust me, once you try this pan seared cod with lemon butter, it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation!
Tips for Success
To ensure your pan seared cod with lemon butter turns out perfect every time, here are a few tried-and-true tips! First, be careful not to overcook the fish. Cod can become dry pretty quickly, so keep an eye on that beautiful golden crust. A good rule of thumb is to look for the fish to become opaque and flake easily with a fork. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to check a minute early!
Next, when making the lemon butter sauce, don’t let it get too thick. You want a silky consistency that coats the fish beautifully. If it thickens up too much, just add a splash of water or a bit more lemon juice to loosen it up. Lastly, don’t skip the garnishing step! That sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh burst of flavor. Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up with your pan seared cod with lemon butter, you’re in for a treat! There are so many delicious variations you can try. For an herbaceous twist, consider adding fresh dill or thyme to the lemon butter sauce. These herbs pair beautifully with the fish and elevate the flavor profile!
Feeling adventurous? Try incorporating a splash of white wine into the sauce for added depth. Just remember to let it cook down a bit before adding the butter to enhance that rich flavor.
As for sides, you can swap out steamed vegetables for a light, refreshing salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette. Or, if you’re in the mood for something heartier, serve it over a bed of creamy risotto or quinoa to soak up all that luscious sauce. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your pan seared cod with lemon butter, think about sides that complement its bright, zesty flavors! A classic pairing is steamed asparagus or green beans, lightly seasoned with salt and pepper. The crispness of the veggies contrasts beautifully with the tender fish.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit heartier, fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes make excellent options to soak up that delightful lemon butter sauce. You could also whip up a light, refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
And don’t forget about crusty bread! A slice or two can be perfect for mopping up every last drop of that luscious sauce. Whatever you choose, these sides will surely elevate your meal and make it a dining experience to remember!
Equipment List
To whip up this delightful pan seared cod with lemon butter, you’ll need just a couple of essential tools. First up is a skillet – a sturdy, non-stick one works best for achieving that gorgeous golden crust on the fish. Then, grab a spatula to flip those cod fillets with ease. Having these two pieces of equipment on hand will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable. Trust me, they’re the backbone of this delicious dish!
Pan Seared Cod with Lemon Butter
Equipment
- Skillet
- Spatula
Ingredients
For the Cod
- 2 fillets cod Fresh or thawed
For the Sauce
- 4 tbsp butter Unsalted
- 1 lemon juice Freshly squeezed
- 1 clove garlic Minced
- 1 tsp parsley Chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of butter.
- Season the cod fillets with salt and pepper, then place them in the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove the cod from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter, garlic, and lemon juice. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Pour the lemon butter sauce over the cod and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
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