This easy yet elegant recipe showcases the mild and flaky cod fillets, accentuated by a zesty lemon-herb butter sauce. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Preheat the Pan: Place a non-stick (or cast-iron) skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
Season the Fish: While the pan is heating, pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Cooking the Cod:
Sear the Cod: Once the oil is hot but not smoking, carefully place the cod fillets in the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the fillets and set them aside on a warm plate.
Making the Lemon-Herb Butter Sauce:
Prepare the Pan: Lower the heat to medium and remove any bits leftover from cooking the fish, if necessary.
Melt the Butter: Add the butter to the pan and let it melt, swirling the pan occasionally.
Add Lemon and Herbs: Once the butter is fully melted, add the lemon juice and fresh herbs to the pan. Stir to combine.
Season: Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper as needed.
Combine: Spoon the lemon-herb butter sauce over the cooked cod fillets.
Serving:
Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with additional fresh herbs or a lemon wedge. Serve immediately.
Notes
Herb Choices: Feel free to mix and match herbs based on your preference or what you have on hand. Soft herbs work best
Skillet Temperature: Make sure the skillet is hot but not smoking to get a nice golden sear on the cod without burning it. That golden sear will create a gorgeous crisp crust on the fish.
Fish Testing: You can check if the fish is cooked by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the fillet; if it flakes easily, it's done.
Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the cod fillets from the pan after cooking, then simmer the sauce to reduce it before spooning over the fish.