Introduction
If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and restaurant-quality seafood dish, this Pan-Fried Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce is the perfect recipe! With a crispy golden crust, flaky white fish, and a rich, tangy butter sauce, it’s a meal that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a light salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes!
✔ Crispy & Flaky Texture – Lightly dredging the cod in flour creates a beautiful golden crust.
✔ Bright & Buttery Sauce – A simple yet flavorful sauce with garlic, lemon, and butter.
✔ Healthy & Nutritious – Cod is a lean, protein-rich fish with a mild, delicate flavor.
✔ Pairs Well with Many Sides – Serve with rice, pasta, or steamed veggies.
Ingredients Needed
For the Cod:
- 4 cod fillets (150-200g each)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra brightness)
- ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth (optional for a thinner sauce)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cod Fillets
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the fish sear better.
- Season both sides of the fillets with salt and pepper.
- Lightly dredge each fillet in flour, shaking off any excess. The flour helps create a golden, crispy crust when pan-fried.
Step 2: Pan-Fry the Cod
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the butter melts and begins to sizzle, add the cod fillets to the pan.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes on the first side, or until golden brown and crisp.
- Carefully flip the fillets and cook for another 2–3 minutes, depending on thickness.
- The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 60°C (140°F).
- Transfer the cooked fillets to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
- In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of butter.
- Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t burn the garlic).
- Pour in the lemon juice and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (these add flavor).
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, add ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth and let it simmer for 1 minute.
- Stir in the lemon zest (if using) and chopped parsley.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Return the pan-fried cod to the pan, spooning the lemon butter sauce over each fillet.
- Let the fish warm in the sauce for about 30 seconds.
- Transfer the cod to serving plates and drizzle any remaining sauce over the top.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Pan-Fried Cod
🍽 Mashed Potatoes – Creamy potatoes balance the bright lemon sauce.
🍽 Steamed Asparagus or Green Beans – Light and healthy vegetables pair perfectly.
🍽 Rice or Quinoa – A neutral base to soak up the sauce.
🍽 Crispy Roasted Potatoes – Adds texture to the meal.
🍽 Garlic Butter Pasta – A simple side for a more filling dish.
Tips for the Best Pan-Fried Cod
✔ Pat the Fish Dry – Ensures a crispy crust.
✔ Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming the fish.
✔ Use Fresh Lemon Juice – Bottled juice won’t give the same bright flavor.
✔ Adjust the Sauce Consistency – Add broth for a thinner sauce or extra butter for richness.
✔ Watch the Cooking Time – Overcooked cod becomes dry; remove from heat as soon as it flakes easily.
Variations & Customizations
Garlic Herb Cod
- Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the butter sauce for an herby twist.
Spicy Lemon Cod
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce for a spicy kick.
Parmesan Crusted Cod
- Mix grated Parmesan into the flour before dredging for a crispier crust.
Cajun-Style Cod
- Use Cajun seasoning instead of salt and pepper for a bold, smoky flavor.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Refrigeration:
- Store leftover cod in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freezing:
- Not recommended, as pan-fried fish can become soggy when thawed.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Warm in a pan over low heat, adding extra butter or broth to keep it moist.
- Oven: Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 10 minutes, covered with foil.
- Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, though this may soften the crust.
Nutritional Information
⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 15 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 25 minutes
🍽 Servings: 4
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 kcal |
| Protein | ~35g |
| Carbs | ~10g |
| Fat | ~20g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to remove excess moisture.
2. What other fish can I use instead of cod?
Try halibut, haddock, sea bass, or tilapia—they all work well with this recipe.
3. How do I prevent the fish from sticking to the pan?
- Use a non-stick or well-seasoned cast-iron pan.
- Ensure the oil is hot before adding the fish.
- Don’t move the fish too early—let it develop a crust first.
4. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Use olive oil instead of butter in both the frying and sauce.
5. How can I make the sauce creamier?
Stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce.
Conclusion
This Pan-Fried Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce is a quick, flavorful, and elegant seafood dish that’s perfect for any meal. With its golden crispy crust, flaky fish, and tangy butter sauce, it’s a simple yet restaurant-quality dish that will impress your family and guests.
Try this recipe today and enjoy a light, fresh, and satisfying seafood meal!