Light, flaky, and golden, this Pan-Seared Cod recipe proves that simplicity can be delicious.
I can’t believe I’ve made it nearly the whole summer without sharing a fish recipe with you guys. Usually, I don’t love seafood (shrimp, clams, and mussels seriously freak me out), but I do love a good fish dish. Salmon, halibut, tilapia—yes, please! But my favorite fish to cook with is probably cod. It’s such a versatile fish due to its mild flavor, and you can make it taste delicious with just a few simple ingredients. That’s what we’re doing today with this pan-seared cod.
As for those of you like me who are less than keen on seafood, hear me out. Cod is an amazing introduction to the world of seafood. It’s a very light, not-so-fishy fish that’s easily adaptable. This recipe uses staple ingredients like lemon, butter, salt, and pepper to enhance the cod’s natural softness. Plus, pan-searing the cod adds more flavor than other options and takes less time. The result is a flaky, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth dish that only takes about 15 minutes to prep and cook!
Is Pan-Seared Cod Healthy?
White fish like cod is a great low-calorie, high-protein option, and this recipe doesn’t add much to corrupt that! Instead, the light and subtle ingredients enhance the cod’s flavor and nutritional benefit. If you’re averse to using butter, add more olive oil or try a butter substitute. While cod already provides omega-3s and other important nutrients, you can enhance the health benefits of this dish even more by serving your pan-seared cod with healthy sides like Roasted Broccoli And Carrots or Instant-Pot Quinoa.
Perfect Your Pan-Seared Cod
To cook the perfect pan-seared cod, start by patting the fish dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture is essential for achieving a beautiful, golden crust. Since cod is naturally flaky, it’s important to handle it gently throughout the process to prevent it from falling apart. Use enough fat—whether oil, butter, or your favorite cooking fat—to ensure the fish doesn’t stick or burn while cooking. Place the cod in a hot pan and let it cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to form a proper crust. Then, carefully loosen it with a thin spatula and flip it, taking care to maintain its delicate texture. When done correctly, the cod will be tender, light, and perfectly flaky, making for a delicious dish every time.
How to Make Ahead and Store
You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or make your cod ahead of time and freeze it for about 1 month in a tightly sealed plastic bag. To reheat your cod leftovers, just add a little water or butter to moisten the fish while it’s in the pan.
Serving Suggestions
This cod has a mild flavor that will pair well with just about anything! To keep your meal light, serve it with veggies like Roasted Broccoli and a grain like Rice Pilaf With Orzo.
If you want to indulge with your cod, serve it with fettuccine Alfredo and some bread and oil.
Ingredients
- 4 6-ounce cod fillets
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 lemon cut into wedges, for serving
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Carefully add the cod fillets to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on one side until golden brown.
- Flip the cod fillets, add butter to the skillet, and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from heat, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
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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