Golden Seared Cod with Herb Butter Sauce
Flaky, golden-seared cod drizzled with a rich herb butter sauce—light, flavorful, and perfect for a quick gourmet meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course, Seafood
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Cod:
4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each, skinless)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
For the Herb Butter Sauce:
3 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tsp fresh thyme or dill (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once hot, place cod fillets in the skillet. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through (internal temp should reach 145°F / 63°C). Remove cod and set aside.
In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and add 3 tbsp butter. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add lemon juice, zest, parsley, and thyme or dill. Season with salt and pepper. Stir until combined.
Drizzle the herb butter sauce over the seared cod and serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Notes
Works well with other white fish like haddock, halibut, or tilapia.
Avoid overcooking cod to keep it moist and flaky.
Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
