Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dish: pan fried cod with lemon butter sauce! This meal is not just simple; it’s bursting with flavor, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners or special occasions. I remember the first time I made it for my family. The kitchen smelled heavenly as the cod sizzled in the pan, and the moment I poured that luscious lemon butter sauce over the fillets, I knew I had created something magical. The way the buttery sauce mingles with the bright citrus is simply divine! Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a staple in your home too. So, let’s get cooking!
Ingredients List
- 4 cod fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 lemons (juiced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
How to Prepare Pan Fried Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into making this fantastic pan fried cod! First things first, you’ll want to season your cod fillets with salt and pepper. I like to be generous because this is where the flavor begins! Once they’re nicely seasoned, grab a large pan and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. You want it hot but not smoking — that’s the sweet spot for perfect frying!
Now, it’s time to add your cod fillets to the pan. Lay them in carefully, skin-side down if they have skin, and let them cook for about 4-5 minutes. This is where the magic happens! Keep an eye on them; you want that beautiful golden-brown crust. Once they’re ready, flip those fillets over and let them cook for another 4-5 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re opaque and flaky. So, if you’re nervous, just sneak a peek and check that gorgeous color!
Once cooked, remove the cod from the pan and set it aside on a plate. Don’t worry about keeping it warm; we’ll dress it up in just a moment! In the same pan, lower the heat a bit and toss in the butter along with the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir it around until the butter is melted and everything is bubbly and fragrant. This is where the aroma will really start to make your mouth water!
Now, pour that luscious lemon butter sauce over the cod fillets. It’s like a warm hug of flavor! Finally, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for that pop of color and freshness. And there you have it! Your pan fried cod with lemon butter sauce is ready to be devoured. Trust me, this dish not only looks stunning but tastes absolutely out of this world!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick and easy, taking just about 20 minutes from start to finish.
- The flavors are absolutely incredible, with the buttery lemon sauce elevating the dish.
- Healthy and light, making it perfect for a guilt-free dinner.
- Cod is a flaky, mild fish that pairs wonderfully with the zesty sauce.
- It’s versatile enough to serve on a weeknight or impress guests at a dinner party.
- Fresh ingredients make every bite taste bright and delicious!
Tips for Success
To really nail this pan fried cod with lemon butter sauce, start by choosing the freshest cod you can find; look for fillets that are firm and have a bright, clean smell. Don’t shy away from seasoning—salt and pepper are your friends here! If you want to amp up the flavor, squeeze a little lemon zest into the butter sauce for an extra punch. Also, be careful not to overcrowd the pan; if your fillets are too close together, they won’t get that lovely crispy crust. Lastly, keep an eye on the cooking time; you want that fish to be opaque and flaky but not overcooked. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of things for this delicious pan fried cod with lemon butter sauce. Each serving, which is one fillet, packs about 250 calories. You’ll get around 15 grams of fat, with 8 grams being saturated fat. But don’t worry, it’s all about balance! It’s also a great source of protein, delivering 25 grams per serving—perfect for keeping you satisfied. As for carbs, it’s super light, with just 1 gram, and only 1 gram of sugar. This dish is not only tasty but fits nicely into a healthy diet. Remember, these values are estimates based on typical ingredients, so your exact numbers may vary a bit!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the cod completely before cooking. Pat it dry to remove any excess moisture, and follow the same steps for seasoning and frying. It’ll turn out delicious!
What can I substitute for the butter?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use olive oil instead of butter. It won’t have the same creamy richness, but it’ll still be tasty. You can also try ghee or a dairy-free butter substitute for a different take!
How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?
Great question! The cod is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. You can also use a meat thermometer—an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) means it’s ready to go!
What sides go well with pan fried cod?
I love serving this dish with steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, or a light salad for some crunch. Rice or quinoa is fantastic too, especially to soak up that lemon butter sauce!
Can I make the lemon butter sauce ahead of time?
While the sauce is best fresh, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat gently on the stove before pouring it over your cooked cod. It’ll still be fabulous!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers of this scrumptious pan fried cod with lemon butter sauce (which is rare in my house!), you’ll want to store them properly to keep the flavors intact. Let the cod cool down to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat the cod in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or a little more lemon butter sauce to keep it moist and flavorful. Avoid the microwave if you can; it can dry out the fish! Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving pan fried cod with lemon butter sauce, the possibilities are endless! I love pairing it with a side of roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans for a fresh and vibrant touch. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up that luscious sauce. A light, zesty salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon really complements the dish beautifully. And don’t forget a nice crusty bread to mop up any leftover sauce—trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop!
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Pan Fried Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce: A Delightful Dish
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Pan fried cod with lemon butter sauce is a simple yet flavorful dish.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 lemons (juiced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the cod fillets with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the cod fillets to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove the cod from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add butter and lemon juice, stirring until the butter melts.
- Pour the lemon butter sauce over the cod fillets.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Serve with vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
- Fresh cod works best for this recipe.
- Adjust lemon juice according to your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pan fried cod, lemon butter sauce, easy cod recipe
