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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Pat the cod fillets completely dry using clean paper towels, ensuring no excess moisture remains.
- 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.
- Heat of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and appears slightly rippled.
- 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.
- 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).
- Transfer the perfectly seared cod to a clean serving plate and reduce the skillet’s heat to medium.
- Add unsalted butter to the same skillet, allowing it to melt completely and develop a light golden color.
- Introduce minced garlic to the melted butter, stirring and sautéing for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Incorporate fresh chopped parsley, dill, and chives into the butter mixture, followed by a splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- 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.
- 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