Pan-Fried Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce: A Delightful Seafood Recipe

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cod

Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Lightly dredge the fillets in flour, shaking off any excess. This step helps achieve a golden, crispy crust when frying.

Step 2: Pan-Fry the Cod

Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Once the butter has melted and the oil is shimmering, add the cod fillets. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.
Transfer the cooked cod to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add 1/4 cup of butter.
Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the lemon juice, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley.

Step 4: Serve

Spoon the lemon butter sauce generously over the pan-fried cod fillets.
Garnish with additional parsley and serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad.

Tips for Success

Choose Fresh Cod: Fresh or thawed cod works best for this recipe. Look for fillets that are firm, moist, and free of any fishy odor.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the cod in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust.
Deglaze the Pan: The browned bits left in the skillet add incredible flavor to the sauce. Be sure to scrape them up when making the lemon butter sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pan-fried cod with lemon butter sauce is not only mouthwateringly delicious but also quick and easy to prepare. It’s a dish that will impress your guests while keeping your time in the kitchen to a minimum. Plus, the combination of buttery richness and citrusy zest is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

So, the next time you’re craving a light yet satisfying seafood dish, give this recipe a try. With its simple ingredients and bold flavors, it’s bound to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.