Pan Fried Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce

Pan Fried Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce is a simple, elegant dish that makes the perfect dinner for any occasion. The flaky, tender cod is lightly seasoned and pan-fried until golden, then topped with a zesty lemon butter sauce that adds just the right amount of brightness and richness. This dish is quick to make, yet so full of flavor that it will impress anyone at your dinner table. It pairs wonderfully with vegetables, potatoes, or rice for a well-rounded meal.

Ingredients
Instructions
Tips for Perfect Pan Fried Cod
Recipe Variations
FAQs
Serving Suggestions
Conclusion

Ingredients

4 cod fillets (about 4-6 oz each)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon (about 3-4 tbsp)
1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine
1 tbsp capers (optional)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the fillets with salt and black pepper. Lightly dredge the fillets in the flour, shaking off any excess.
Cook the Cod: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cod fillets to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the cod from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice and chicken broth (or white wine), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly reduced.
Combine and Serve: Return the cod fillets to the skillet and spoon the lemon butter sauce over the fish. If using, add the capers to the skillet. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat the fish through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Pan Fried Cod

Pat the Cod Dry: Make sure to pat the cod fillets dry before dredging in flour. This helps the fish get a nice golden crust when frying.
Don’t Overcook: Cod cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it. It’s done when it flakes easily with a fork. Overcooking can result in dry, tough fish.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor to the lemon butter sauce, adding brightness to the dish.

Recipe Variations

Garlic Herb Cod: Add a teaspoon of dried Italian herbs to the flour mixture before dredging for extra flavor.
Spicy Lemon Butter Cod: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon butter sauce for a hint of spice.
Parmesan Crusted Cod: Mix 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese with the flour before dredging for a cheesy crust.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen cod. Make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking.

Q: How do I know when the cod is done?
A: The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an opaque appearance. It typically takes about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillets.

Q: Can I use another type of fish?
A: Absolutely! This recipe works well with other white fish like halibut, tilapia, or haddock.

Serving Suggestions

With Vegetables: Serve the cod with steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli for a healthy side.
With Rice: Pair the cod with fluffy white rice or lemon herb rice to soak up the delicious lemon butter sauce.
With Potatoes: Serve with roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.

Pan Fried Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. The tender, flaky cod and rich, tangy sauce make for an irresistible combination that’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this simple yet elegant dish will not disappoint. Give it a try and enjoy the fresh flavors of this easy seafood recipe!