Ingredients:

  • 4 cod fillets, approx 6 oz each
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Use paper towels to press firmly on all sides of the cod fillets to remove surface moisture. Note: This ensures a golden crust.
  2. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in an oven safe skillet over medium high heat until shimmering.
  4. Lay the fillets in the pan and sear for 3 minutes without moving them until the bottom is light golden brown.
  5. Flip the fillets using a fish spatula.
  6. Pour the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and oregano directly over the fillets while they are searing on the second side.
  7. Immediately transfer the skillet to the oven.
  8. Bake for 7-10 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, or reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) according to [USDA food safety guidelines](https://fdc.nal.usda.gov).
  9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.