Crispy, flaky, and effortlessly delicious, make this Pan-Fried Cod your new weeknight favorite!
People have been fishing and feasting on cod ever since the Viking era, and we probably won’t stop eating cod as long as they’re still swimming in the sea. As a white fish, cod doesn’t have the “fishy” taste you get from other sea creatures, making it easy to stomach, even if you’re not totally into seafood.
Of course, fish and chips is an iconic way to prepare cod, but there are many other creative ways to whip up this white fish. Today, however, I’ll keep things simple with a pan-fried cod recipe full of classic buttery and lemony flavors. And the best part (besides eating this dish, of course!) is that it’ll only take about 15 minutes to prepare this cod for dinner. Talk about a fantastic weeknight meal! So, get ready for a flavorful voyage as I share this convenient, crave-worthy cod recipe with you.
Is Pan-Fried Cod Healthy?
Cod may not get as much press for its health benefits as salmon, but it’s a great source of protein with relatively low fat. Also, cod contains many healthy vitamins and minerals, as well as those omega-3 fatty acids we’re always hearing about.
However, some readers may not be thrilled about butter’s saturated fat or the fact that it’s a dairy product. You could try ultra-clarified ghee or a plant-based alternative instead of butter. Also, you can easily give your pan-fried cod a boost in nutrition by serving sides like roasted veggies to do some of the healthful heavy lifting.
How Do You Flip Pan-Fried Cod Without It Falling Apart?
Don’t feel like you have to be a master chef to flip your pan-fried cod perfectly. The first time you attempt to make this recipe, it can be intimidating to turn that flaky fish to its other side without everything breaking apart, but there are strategies you can use to master the art of the “fish flip.”
First off, be sure you have the right tools for this job. It’s best to use a wide, thin spatula so you can easily slide it under the fish and enjoy the support of the wide surface area. To maintain control over your cod, hold the pan’s handle down with one hand and use your spatula in the other hand to gently slide under the cod. When you’re ready, use a quick, confident motion to lift and flip the fish to avoid a flaky fiasco.
It’s also best to leave your cod undisturbed when you first place it on your heated pan and after you flip it. The more you move your cod around, the more likely bits will fall off as it continues to cook, and you probably won’t get that Instagram-worthy sear.
How To Make Ahead And Store?
If you have some leftovers after dinner, you can safely store them in an airtight container in the fridge for about 2 days. It’s not the best idea to freeze your pan-fried cod, though, since this will affect the texture upon thawing.
Serving Suggestions
Not only is cod a versatile fish to cook with, it complements a “boatload” of side options. If you want to add some sidekicks with serious superfood status, consider roasting up a tray of veggies, like Cumin-Roasted Carrots, Lemon-Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts, or Roasted Radishes. For those craving something extra creamy, consider making Baked Sweet Potatoes or The Best Mashed Potatoes for a starchy side.
And don’t worry if you’re on a low-carb diet; there are other ways to get that creamy texture of potatoes without the spuds. For instance, consider making a bowl of mashed cauliflower or some cauliflower rice. You could also try fluffy quinoa, another great option that will add even more protein to your delicious cod feast.
Ingredients
- 2 cod fillets 6 ounces each
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small lemon cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
Instructions
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Carefully add the cod fillets to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes until the underside is golden.
- Flip the cod, add butter to the skillet, and baste the fillets with the melted butter for 2 minutes or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove the skillet from heat, garnish the cod with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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