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Looking for an elegant and effortless dinner option? Try this Pan-Fried Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce recipe. This delightful dish features flaky cod fillets paired with a bright, herby butter sauce that adds richness and flavor. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that you can prepare in just a few simple steps.
Why You’ll Love This Pan-Fried Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce
– Delicate Flavor: Fresh cod fillets provide a subtle canvas for a variety of sauces and seasonings.
– Quick and Easy: The fish cooks rapidly, taking only a few minutes per side for tender, succulent results.
– Decadent Sauce: The luscious lemon butter sauce elevates this mild protein into a luxurious and flavorful dish.
– Healthy and Delicious: While the cod is a healthy choice, the buttery sauce adds a touch of indulgence to each bite.
Ingredients
– Cod Fillets: Use high-quality, fresh cod fillets for the best results.
– Olive Oil: Essential for cooking the cod fillets.
– Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the lemon butter sauce.
– Lemon: Provides a bright and citrusy note to the sauce.
– Herbs: Fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, or tarragon enhance the flavor profile.
How to Make Pan-Fried Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce
– Step 1: Season the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry and season them with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
– Step 2: Sear the Cod: Heat olive oil in a skillet, then cook the cod fillets for a few minutes on each side until flaky and opaque.
– Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, add lemon juice and fresh herbs, then season to taste.
– Step 4: Serve: Pour the lemon butter sauce over the cod fillets and garnish with extra herbs.
Storage Options
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or skillet until warmed through.
Variations and Substitutions
– Garlic Butter Sauce: Replace the lemon butter sauce with a garlic-infused butter sauce for a different flavor profile.
– Panko-Crusted Cod: Coat the cod fillets in panko breadcrumbs before pan-frying for added crunch.
– Herb-Crusted Cod: Mix finely chopped herbs with breadcrumbs for a flavorful crust on the cod fillets.
– Citrus Marinade: Marinate the cod in a citrus-based marinade before cooking for a zesty twist.
What to Serve With Pan-Fried Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce
– Herb-Tossed Baby Potatoes
– Sautéed Zucchini with Garlic
– Steamed Asparagus Spears
– Crusty Bread for Dipping
Frequently Asked Questions
– What sides go well with pan-fried cod ? : Fresh vegetables and crusty bread are ideal accompaniments.
– How do I know when cod is cooked through ? : The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
– Can I use frozen cod for this recipe ? : Thaw frozen cod completely before cooking.
– What pan is best for searing fish ? : Use a heavy, oven-safe skillet for a nice sear.
After making this Pan-Fried Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce, you can expect a light and elegant dish that is bursting with vibrant flavors. Each bite offers a delicate balance of tender cod and rich, citrusy butter sauce, creating a dining experience that feels both indulgent and wholesome.
Pan-Fried Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
Cod Fillets
- 4 cod fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Lemon Butter Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp fresh herbs parsley, dill, tarragon
Instructions
- Pat the cod fillets dry and season them with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet, then cook the cod fillets for a few minutes on each side until flaky and opaque.
- In the same skillet, melt butter, add lemon juice and fresh herbs, then season to taste.
- Pour the lemon butter sauce over the cod fillets and garnish with extra herbs.