You know, there’s something truly magical about cooking cod. I remember the first time I made *golden seared cod with herb butter sauce*; it was like a lightbulb went off in my head! With its flaky texture and mild flavor, cod is such a versatile fish that holds up beautifully to a simple yet rich herb butter sauce. The aroma of garlic and fresh herbs wafting through the kitchen is just divine. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up in about 25 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a favorite at your table too!

Ingredients for Golden Seared Cod with Herb Butter Sauce

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

How to Prepare Golden Seared Cod with Herb Butter Sauce

Getting that perfect golden sear on your cod is easier than you might think! Let’s walk through the steps together, and I promise you’ll be enjoying this delicious dish in no time. The key is to have everything ready before you start cooking, so let’s get organized!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the cod—this is crucial for that lovely golden crust!
2. While the oil heats up, season your cod fillets generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step really brings out the flavor of the fish.
3. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the cod fillets in the skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you want each fillet to have space to sear nicely. Cook for about 4-5 minutes without moving them!
4. After 4-5 minutes, flip the fillets gently using a spatula. Cook for another 4-5 minutes on the other side until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
5. Once the cod is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Now, let’s make that fabulous herb butter sauce!
6. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt, scraping up any delicious bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.
7. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant—wow, your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
8. Finally, stir in 1 tablespoon each of fresh parsley and dill, along with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix everything together and then pour this herb butter sauce over your golden cod before serving.

And there you have it! Your golden seared cod with herb butter sauce is ready to be devoured. Enjoy every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick preparation—ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
• Rich, buttery flavor from the herb butter sauce that elevates the mild taste of cod.
• Healthy ingredients make it a guilt-free indulgence; packed with protein and good fats!
• Versatile dish that pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
• Impressive enough for guests, yet simple enough for everyday cooking.

Tips for Success

To ensure your *golden seared cod with herb butter sauce* turns out perfectly every time, here are my favorite tips! First off, always choose fresh cod; look for fillets that are firm and have a mild ocean smell. If you can, buy it from a trusted fishmonger or the seafood counter at your store.

When cooking, make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the fish—this is key for that beautiful sear! Don’t rush the flipping; let it get that golden crust on one side before turning it over. And remember, seasoning is everything! Taste your herb butter sauce before pouring it over the cod, and adjust the salt and pepper as you see fit. A squeeze of extra lemon juice can also add a lovely brightness to the dish. Happy cooking!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for your serving of *golden seared cod with herb butter sauce*! Each fillet with the sauce has approximately 300 calories, 20g of fat, and 25g of protein. It’s also low in carbohydrates, with just 2g per serving. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy this delicious dish guilt-free while savoring all its rich flavors!

FAQ about Golden Seared Cod with Herb Butter Sauce

Got questions about making this *golden seared cod with herb butter sauce*? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that might pop up while you’re cooking:

Can I use frozen cod instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the cod in the refrigerator before cooking. Frozen fillets can be a bit more delicate, so handle them gently when searing.

What can I substitute for the herbs?
If you don’t have parsley or dill on hand, feel free to experiment! Fresh basil or chives can give a delightful twist to the sauce. Just remember, fresh herbs pack more flavor than dried.

How do I know when the cod is cooked through?
Great question! Cod should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when it’s done. If you have a food thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

What sides go well with this dish?
You can’t go wrong with steamed vegetables or a light salad. Rice or quinoa are also fantastic choices to soak up that luscious herb butter sauce!

Hopefully, these tips will help you whip up the perfect cod dish. Enjoy the cooking journey!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you find yourself with leftovers of this *golden seared cod with herb butter sauce*, don’t worry! Proper storage will keep it delicious for later. Start by letting the cod cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure to keep the herb butter sauce separate if possible, to preserve its flavor!

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat the cod in a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, just until warmed through. You could also pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds, but be careful not to overheat it, as it can dry out. Enjoy every bite again!

Golden Seared Cod with Herb Butter Sauce in 25 Minutes

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Golden seared cod served with a rich herb butter sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cod fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season cod fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Place cod in the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
4. Remove cod from skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add butter and let it melt.
6. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
7. Stir in parsley, dill, and lemon juice.
8. Pour the herb butter sauce over the cod before serving.

Notes

• Use fresh herbs for better flavor.
• Adjust seasoning according to your taste.
• Pair with steamed vegetables or rice.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Pan-searing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: golden seared cod with herb butter sauce