Golden Seared Cod with Herb Butter Sauce

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!