Description

An Elegant Yet Simple Dish for Any Occasion

If you’re looking for an easy yet elegant dinner, this pan-fried cod with lemon butter sauce is the perfect choice! The fish is tender and flaky, with a rich and refreshing citrus butter sauce that brings out its mild flavor beautifully. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it a quick option for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for a special occasion.

Ingredients

• For the cod:
• 4 cod fillets (6 oz each), patted dry
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or tarragon), chopped
• For the lemon butter sauce:
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or tarragon)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation Method

1. Pat cod fillets dry with a paper towel.
2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Cook cod fillets for 4-5 minutes per side until opaque and flaky.
5. Remove fillets and place on a plate.
6. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet.
7. Once melted, stir in lemon juice, herbs, salt, and pepper.
8. Simmer sauce for 1-2 minutes to thicken.
9. Pour sauce over cod fillets and serve immediately.
10. Optional: Garnish with herbs or lemon slice and serve with sides like potatoes or vegetables.

Tips and Conclusion

Cooking Tip: For a golden, crispy crust on your cod, make sure the oil is hot enough before placing the fish in the pan. This will help the fillets cook quickly and develop that perfect sear.

Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs based on your preference. Dill offers a fresh, citrusy flavor that pairs well with the lemon butter sauce, while tarragon provides a slightly sweet note.

Freezing Cod: If you use frozen cod, be sure to fully thaw it and pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
This pan-fried cod with lemon butter sauce is a simple yet decadent dish that highlights the delicate flavors of fresh cod fillets. Whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a special dinner with guests, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Its vibrant lemony sauce, rich butter, and fresh herbs elevate the cod into something extraordinary, proving that sometimes the simplest recipes are the best. Enjoy!