Enjoy a restaurant-quality seafood dish at home with this Golden Seared Cod with Herb Butter Sauce. This elegant yet simple recipe features cod fillets perfectly seared to a golden crust and topped with a rich herb-infused butter sauce. Brightened with fresh herbs and a splash of lemon juice, this dish is a flavorful masterpiece ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Servings: 4 fillets
Calories: 320 kcal per serving
For the Cod:
- 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Herb Butter Sauce:
- 4 oz unsalted butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
Instructions
Preparing the Cod
- Season the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel. Generously season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Sear the Cod: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cod fillets to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the cod from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Herb Butter Sauce
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Lower the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Allow the butter to melt completely.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Incorporate Herbs and Lemon: Add the parsley, dill, chives, and lemon juice to the skillet, stirring to combine.
Combine and Serve
- Finish the Dish: Return the seared cod fillets to the skillet, spooning the herb butter sauce over them. Let the cod warm in the sauce for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve: Plate the cod and drizzle with extra sauce from the skillet. Garnish with additional fresh herbs or lemon slices if desired.
Notes
- Cooking Tip: Avoid overcooking the cod; it should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Substitutions: Feel free to use other firm white fish such as halibut or haddock if cod is unavailable.
This Golden Seared Cod with Herb Butter Sauce is a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for entertaining. With its buttery richness and refreshing herbal notes, it’s a recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
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