The Perfect Golden Seared Cod With Herb Butter Sauce Recipe

Golden seared cod crafts an ordinary seafood dinner into a culinary masterpiece.

Each delicate fillet promises an extraordinary dining experience with its magnificent golden exterior.

The crisp, caramelized surface hints at the succulent flesh waiting beneath, promising a symphony of textures and tastes.

herb-infused butter cascading over the fish elevates this recipe from simple to spectacular.

Seasonings dance delicately across the protein, enhancing its natural maritime essence without masking its inherent deliciousness.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this dish represents elegant cooking made effortless for home chefs.

Prepare to impress your dinner guests with a restaurant-quality meal crafted in your own kitchen.

What to Serve with These Buttery Cheese Bombs

• Capture Quick Elegance: This cod recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving gourmet flavors without complicated techniques.
• Flavor Explosion Method: The strategic searing technique creates a gorgeous golden crust while the herb butter sauce delivers bright, fresh layers of garlic and herb notes that complement the delicate fish perfectly.
• Nutritional Powerhouse Meal: Packed with high-quality protein, minimal carbohydrates, and healthy fats, this recipe offers a balanced, low-sugar option that supports clean eating and provides substantial nutritional value without sacrificing taste.

Flavor-Stuffed Variations for These Bite-Sized Bakes

• Cod Fillets: Fresh, mild-flavored fish with delicate texture that sears beautifully and absorbs herb butter sauce perfectly. Choose firm, white fish without strong fishy smell.

• Olive Oil: High-heat cooking oil for achieving golden brown sear on fish. Extra virgin preferred for best flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, smooth sauce base with creamy texture and enhances overall dish flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance cods natural taste and provide basic seasoning depth.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds robust, warm flavor to butter sauce. Fresh cloves recommended for most intense taste.
• Parsley, Dill, Chives: Fresh herbs that provide bright, green freshness and complex layered herbal notes to sauce. Use finely chopped herbs for best distribution.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, acidic element that cuts through richness of butter and balances fishs flavor. Fresh lemon juice preferred over bottled.

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Step 1: Prepare the Cod

Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Cod

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place seasoned cod in the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through.

Step 3: Create Herb Butter Sauce

Remove cod from skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to medium. Add unsalted butter to the same pan and let it melt completely.

Step 4: Infuse Sauce with Flavors

• Parsley
• Dill
• Chives

Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the sauce and mix well.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return cod fillets to the skillet. Spoon herb-infused butter sauce over the fish. Warm together for 1-2 minutes. Plate the cod and drizzle additional sauce on top. Serve immediately while warm and aromatic.

Sweet Layers That Make This Cake a Showstopper

• Ensure Dry Fish: Pat cod fillets completely dry with paper towels to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Control Pan Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat to create a beautiful caramelized exterior without burning the delicate fish.
• Select Fresh Herbs: Use freshly chopped herbs for maximum flavor intensity and vibrant color in the butter sauce.
• Watch Cooking Time: Cook cod precisely 3-4 minutes per side to prevent overcooking, which can make the fish tough and dry.
• Use High-Quality Butter: Choose unsalted, high-quality butter to enhance the sauce's richness and control overall seasoning.

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• Refrigeration: Carefully transfer any leftover cod to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. Consume the fish within 1-2 days for the best taste and texture, as seafood tends to lose its freshness quickly.
• Reheating: Gently warm the cod in a preheated oven at 275°F to prevent drying out. Place the fish on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover loosely with aluminum foil, and heat for 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Drizzle some reserved herb butter sauce over the fish just before serving to restore its original moisture and flavor.
• Freezing: While possible, freezing is not recommended for this delicate fish dish.

Quick Tips for a Chill, Creamy Dessert

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the delicate cod and bright herb butter sauce, cutting through the richness with their zesty, refreshing profile.
• Serve Alongside Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus or green beans roasted with olive oil and sea salt create a perfect accompaniment, echoing the herb notes and providing a light, balanced side dish.
• Match with Citrusy Salad: A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette will enhance the lemon in the butter sauce and provide a peppery contrast to the mild, golden-seared cod.
• Complement with Crusty Bread: Warm, rustic sourdough or French baguette allows diners to soak up the incredible herb butter sauce, adding texture and maximizing flavor enjoyment.

How to Keep This No-Bake Cake Fresh & Fluffy

• Mediterranean Herb Cod: Replace dill and chives with oregano and thyme. Add chopped kalamata olives and capers to the butter sauce for an authentic Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Cod: Dust cod fillets with Cajun seasoning before searing. Incorporate cayenne pepper and smoked paprika into the butter sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions for extra heat and color.
• Citrus Ginger Cod: Substitute lemon juice with fresh orange and lime juice. Add grated ginger to the butter sauce and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for an Asian-influenced seafood experience.
• Almond-Crusted Cod: Coat cod fillets in finely ground almonds before searing for a crunchy exterior. Mix chopped roasted almonds into the herb butter sauce to enhance nutty undertones.

Golden Seared Cod With Herb Butter Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean elegance shines through this golden seared cod, bathed in a luxurious herb butter sauce. Delicate fish meets rich, aromatic flavors, promising a restaurant-quality meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cod fillets (6 ounces/170 grams each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Butter and Sauce Components:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) unsalted butter
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• Juice of ½ lemon

Herbs:

• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives (chopped)

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Instructions

1. Pat the cod fillets completely dry using clean paper towels, ensuring no excess moisture remains.
2. Season both sides of the cod fillets liberally with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, creating an even coating that will enhance the fish’s natural flavors.
3. Heat of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and appears slightly rippled.
4. Gently place the seasoned cod fillets into the hot skillet, allowing them to sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a golden-brown crust develops and the edges turn opaque.
5. Carefully flip the cod and cook the opposite side for an additional 3-4 minutes, ensuring the fish is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
6. Transfer the perfectly seared cod to a clean serving plate and reduce the skillet’s heat to medium.
7. Add unsalted butter to the same skillet, allowing it to melt completely and develop a light golden color.
8. Introduce minced garlic to the melted butter, stirring and sautéing for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant and slightly softened.
9. Incorporate fresh chopped parsley, dill, and chives into the butter mixture, followed by a splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
10. Return the seared cod fillets to the skillet, gently coating them with the aromatic herb butter sauce and warming them for an additional 1-2 minutes.
11. Plate the cod and generously spoon the remaining herb butter sauce over the top, serving immediately to enjoy the dish at its peak flavor and temperature.

Notes

• Perfectly dried cod ensures a crispy, golden exterior that seals in all the delicate flavors.
• Seasoning both sides with salt and pepper creates a simple yet profound taste foundation.
• High-heat searing develops a beautiful caramelized crust while keeping the fish tender and moist inside.
• Butter transforms into a luxurious sauce when combined with fresh herbs and bright lemon juice.
• Quick pan sauce technique maximizes flavor by using the same skillet where cod was originally cooked.
• Finishing the fish by bathing it in herb-infused butter guarantees maximum taste and an elegant presentation.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 453 kcal
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg