Let me tell you, there’s something truly magical about pan fried cod with lemon butter sauce. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is actually so simple to whip up! Picture this: flaky, tender cod fillets kissed by the heat of the skillet, perfectly golden brown on the outside, and then drenched in a luscious lemon butter sauce that just sings with flavor. I first made this dish on a cozy weeknight when I wanted something light yet satisfying, and it quickly became a favorite! The bright, zesty taste of lemon paired with rich butter elevates the cod and makes every bite an absolute delight. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for those busy evenings when you still crave something delicious!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun, and this pan fried cod with lemon butter sauce is no exception! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cod fillets: Fresh or thawed, they’re the star of the show!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For that perfect sear on the cod.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that make all the difference.
- 1/4 cup butter: This brings the richness and creaminess to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is best for that zesty kick!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a wonderful aroma and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: For a pop of color and freshness on top.
Each of these ingredients plays a vital role in creating the deliciousness that is this dish. So, let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Pan Fried Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce
Alright, let’s dive into the steps for making this delightful pan fried cod with lemon butter sauce! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll impress yourself with how easy it is!
- First, season your cod fillets generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step really enhances the flavor!
- Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want it hot but not smoking—just right for that golden sear!
- Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the cod fillets to the skillet. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on one side until they’re beautifully golden brown. Then, flip them over and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the other side. You’ll know they’re done when they flake easily with a fork!
- After the cod is perfectly cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter. Let it melt slowly, soaking up all those delicious bits left behind.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
- Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley to create that luscious sauce. Give it a good mix and then pour it generously over the cod before serving.
And just like that, you’ve got a gorgeous dish that’s bursting with flavor! Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of zesty lemon, rich butter, and savory garlic creates a mouthwatering sauce that elevates the cod.
- Healthy Choice: Cod is a lean protein, low in calories but high in flavor, making this meal a guilt-free indulgence.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these ingredients on hand, so it’s an easy go-to for a delicious meal.
- Versatile Pairing: Serve it with your favorite sides, like steamed veggies or rice, for a complete and satisfying dinner.
Tips for Success
Now, let me share some of my tried-and-true tips to ensure your pan fried cod with lemon butter sauce turns out absolutely perfect every time!
- Use Fresh Cod: The quality of the fish makes a huge difference! Fresh cod will give you that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re cooking more than four fillets, do it in batches. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of that glorious sear.
- Watch the Heat: Medium heat is key! Too high, and you risk burning the butter; too low, and the cod won’t brown nicely.
- Perfect Timing: Cook the cod for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on it! The fish should flake easily when it’s done.
- Adjust to Taste: Feel free to tweak the lemon juice and garlic to match your flavor preferences. A little extra zest never hurts!
With these tips, you’ll be a pan frying pro in no time. Enjoy the deliciousness!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! The estimated nutritional information for one serving of this delightful pan fried cod with lemon butter sauce is as follows:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sugar: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates, and actual nutritional content may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. It’s a wholesome meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making this pan fried cod with lemon butter sauce? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries:
Can I use frozen cod?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for the best texture. Frozen cod can still be delicious!
What if I don’t have fresh lemon juice?
No worries! You can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh really gives that zesty kick that makes this dish shine.
How can I tell when the cod is done?
The cod should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. It’s usually about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Definitely! Fresh dill or thyme would work beautifully with the lemon butter sauce. Feel free to get creative!
What side dishes pair well with this dish?
I love serving it with steamed vegetables or a light salad. Rice or quinoa also make great companions for soaking up that tasty sauce!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with leftovers of this delightful pan fried cod with lemon butter sauce, don’t worry! Storing and reheating is a breeze, and you can still enjoy that delicious flavor the next day. First, let the cod cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop. Just add a little splash of water or broth to a skillet over low heat and cover it. This helps keep the cod moist and prevents it from drying out. Heat for about 5 minutes, flipping it halfway through, until warmed through. Trust me, this method preserves that lovely lemon butter sauce and keeps the fish flaky and flavorful!
Serving Suggestions
To create a complete and satisfying meal with your pan fried cod with lemon butter sauce, I love pairing it with some steamed asparagus or green beans. The bright, fresh flavors of the veggies complement the rich sauce beautifully! You could also serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up that delicious lemon butter sauce. A light salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette is another fantastic option, adding a refreshing crunch to every bite. Whatever you choose, just know that this cod dish will shine as the star of your dinner table!
Print
Pan Fried Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce: 2 Delightful Twists
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Pan fried cod with lemon butter sauce is a simple and flavorful dish.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the cod fillets with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add cod fillets and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove cod from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in lemon juice and parsley.
- Pour the sauce over the cod before serving.
Notes
- Serve with steamed vegetables or rice.
- Adjust lemon juice to your taste.
- Use fresh cod for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pan fried cod, lemon butter sauce, cod recipe
