Pan Fried Cod with Lemon-Herb Butter

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever get that craving for proper fish and chips, but fancy something a bit fancier? this pan fried cod recipe is your answer.

It's like the chippy's best, but with a posh lemon butter sauce. trust me, it's banging.

Brief Overview

This dish is a modern twist on a british classic. it's easy enough for a weeknight dinner, taking only 25 minutes from start to finish.

This recipe yields two generous servings, perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself.

Main Benefits

Pan fried cod is packed with lean protein and healthy fats. This dish is ideal for a quick, delicious, and nutritious meal. The crispy skin cod recipe is a game-changer!

Pan Fried Cod with Lemon-Herb Butter Recipe Card

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:10 Mins

Servings:2 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 (6-ounce/170g) cod fillets, skin on or off, preferably center cut
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (15 g)
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (1.5 g)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (1.5 g)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (30 g), for dredging (optional, for extra crispiness)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (56 g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (30 ml)
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick) (1.5 g)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper. If using flour, lightly dredge each fillet, shaking off excess.
• Heat olive oil and butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
• Place cod fillets in the hot skillet, presentation side down (if skin on). Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
• Flip the cod fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
• While the cod is cooking, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
• Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, parsley, and chives. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Place the pan-fried cod on plates and spoon the lemon-herb butter sauce generously over the top. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450

Fat:30g

Fiber:1g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:British

Let's Talk Cod: What Makes This Recipe Special?

This isn't your average fish supper. honestly, the pan seared cod with lemon butter sauce elevates the humble cod into something truly special.

The butter sauce for fish gives it a restaurant-quality finish that's surprisingly simple to achieve.

I remember trying to make pan fried cod for the first time. i was so worried about overcooking it! but with a little practice, and this recipe of course, i nailed the crispy skin cod recipe .

What's in This Magic Cod Potion? The Ingredients

Alright, here's what you'll need to whip up this masterpiece. Get ready for simple ingredients and incredible flavor:

• Two cod fillets
• Olive oil and butter
• Salt and pepper
• Flour (optional)
• Garlic, lemon juice, parsley, and chives

Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Guide

Now, let's get down to business. This easy cod recipe is so straightforward, even a beginner can nail it.

1. Pat the cod dry and season it well.
2. Heat oil and butter in a pan.
3. Sear the cod until golden brown and crispy.
4. Flip and cook until flaky.
5. Make the pan seared fish with lemon butter sauce (it's dead easy!).
6. Drizzle that gorgeous sauce over the fish and serve!

What To Serve With Pan Fried Cod?

If you're wondering what to serve with pan fried cod , think classic with a twist. chips are a must.

But also consider serving it with roasted asparagus or creamy mashed potatoes. for a drink, a sauvignon blanc is a great call! enjoy this quick cod dinner .

Alright, let's get this show on the road! We're talking about pan fried cod today. A simple dish, but when done right? Oh my gosh, it's amazing!

Ingredients & Equipment: Keeping It Simple, Stupid!

Right, so let's break down what you'll need to nail this crispy skin cod recipe . Don't worry, it's not rocket science. Think of it as a gentle cooking adventure.

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

• Cod Fillets: You'll want 2 fillets, about 6 ounces (170g) each. Look for thick, preferably center-cut pieces. Fresh is best. The fish should look shiny, not dull, and shouldn't smell too fishy.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of good quality olive oil. Not the cheap stuff, mind you.
• Butter: 1 tablespoon (15 g) of unsalted butter.
• Salt & Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 g) of each.
• Flour (optional): 2 tablespoons (30 g) of all-purpose flour. This is for that extra crispy crust.

Seasoning Notes: Let's Get Flavorful!

The key here is balance. This butter sauce for fish can be your secret weapon.

• Essential Spice Combo: Garlic and lemon. Trust me.
• Flavor Enhancers: 2 minced garlic cloves. You can sub with garlic powder in an emergency, but fresh is better. And 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of fresh lemon juice.
• Aromatics: Fresh parsley and chives. Use about 2 tablespoons of parsley and 1 tablespoon of chives, finely chopped.
• Optional Kick: 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 g) of red pepper flakes. If you're feeling spicy, go for it!
• Substitutions: Don't have parsley? Dill works well too for that pan fried cod with herbs .

Honestly, what to serve with pan fried cod? That's a question for the ages. But this sauce? It works with everything!

Equipment Needed: The Bare Essentials

Alright, no need to break the bank. Let's keep this simple. You need minimal equipment to make the easy cod recipe of your dreams.

• Non-Stick Skillet: A good, large non-stick skillet is crucial. Seriously, don't skip this.
• Fish Spatula: This is your best friend. It'll help you flip the cod without tearing it.
• Small Saucepan: For the pan seared fish with lemon butter sauce (or pan seared cod with lemon butter sauce ).
• Thermometer (optional): If you're a perfectionist, a kitchen thermometer is handy to ensure the pan fried cod reaches 145° F ( 63° C) .

Don't have a fish spatula? a regular spatula will do in a pinch. but honestly, get yourself a fish spatula.

Your cod will thank you. also if you don't have lemon, you can use lime juice.

There you have it. The quick cod dinner is within reach. Now, go forth and cook!

Alright, mate! let's talk pan fried cod . honestly, it's one of those dishes that sounds fancy. but it’s actually super easy to nail at home.

No need to trek all the way to rick stein's seafood restaurant. a great crispy skin cod recipe right here!

Get Ready to Fry! Prep Like a Pro

First things first, mise en place , as the fancy chefs say. basically, have everything ready to go. chop your herbs, mince your garlic, and measure out your ingredients.

This saves you from scrambling later. gotta tell you, i used to skip this step. massive regret. now? i'm all about prep.

Think of it as your personal easy cod recipe .

Time-Saving Tip

Grab pre-cut herbs to save a few minutes! safety? mind the hot oil! splatters happen. keep a safe distance, and always pat the cod dry.

Water and hot oil? not a happy mix.

Pan Fried Cod: Easy as 1, 2, 3...7!

Right then, here's how we get that perfect pan fried cod with a delightful pan seared fish with lemon butter sauce :

1. Pat the cod fillets dry. Season with salt and pepper. If you're feeling fancy, a light dusting of flour helps.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Place the cod in the pan, skin-side down if you've got the skin on.
4. Cook for 4- 5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
5. Flip and cook for another 3- 4 minutes . It should flake easily. Target 145° F ( 63° C) if using a thermometer.
6. While the cod cooks, melt 4 tablespoons butter in a small pan. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute .
7. Remove from the heat, stir in 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons parsley, and 1 tablespoon chives. Season to taste. This is the butter sauce for fish everyone raves about.

Serve immediately, spooning that glorious pan seared cod with lemon butter sauce over the top.

Pro Tips for Cod Perfection

Wanna up your game? Here’s how: First, always pat your fish dry. Seriously! Also, high heat is key . But watch out for the butter burning!

What to serve with pan fried cod?

Honestly, it's all about the sides! what to serve with pan fried cod ? think chips, roasted asparagus, or creamy mash.

A crisp sauvignon blanc is the perfect wine pairing . i love cod recipes fried with a side of creamy mash!

Recipe Notes for Your Perfect Pan Fried Cod

Alright, so you're about to tackle pan fried cod ! awesome. let's chat about some key things to keep in mind.

I've made this a gazillion times, and these are the bits i've learned along the way, you know? some helpful tips and tricks.

What To Serve With Pan Fried Cod: Serving Suggestions

Honestly, the presentation can make all the difference. for a simple but elegant touch, try arranging the pan seared fish with lemon butter sauce on a bed of wilted spinach.

Trust me. it looks super fancy but takes like, two minutes.

Another great shout is good ol' chips, like a proper chippy! or, go for something a bit lighter like roasted asparagus.

And for the ultimate comfort food? creamy mashed potatoes are always a winner. don't forget a wedge of lemon for squeezing over the top, yeah? to drink i love a crisp white wine like sauvignon blanc.

Storage Tips

Right, so you've made too much pan seared cod with lemon butter sauce (it happens!). No worries.

Leftovers can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Freezing pan fried cod isn't really recommended. the texture can change, and it's just not quite the same. honestly, it's best eaten fresh.

To reheat, gently pan-fry or bake in a preheated oven at 350° f ( 175° c) until heated through. but don't overcook!

Variations

Fancy switching things up? I get it. For a dairy-free version, swap the butter in the butter sauce for fish with olive oil. Still tastes amazing.

Or, if you're feeling adventurous, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the cod before searing. gives it a lovely little kick.

Oh, and instead of parsley and chives, use fresh dill, it's fab. for dietary adaptations, consider a gluten-free flour alternative.

Nutrition Basics

Let's talk nutrition because we know it's important. cod is a fantastic source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your heart and brain.

It's naturally low in calories and fat. and that yummy sauce for cod gives you some added vitamins from the herbs and lemon.

Win-win.

You know, making pan fried cod with herbs is way easier than you think. hopefully this easy cod recipe helps! and it's such a quick cod dinner option.

So, go on, give it a go. you might just surprise yourself with how good you are, and create the perfect crispy skin cod recipe ! enjoy your pan fried cod !