The Perfect Golden Seared Cod Recipe with Herb Butter Sauce

Swimming in culinary creativity, this golden seared cod recipe promises a delightful seafood experience that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Delicate white fish meets rich, aromatic herb butter in a match made in kitchen heaven.

Skilled cooks know the secret lies in perfectly crisp edges and a silky smooth sauce.

Mediterranean influences shine through with each carefully seasoned bite of tender cod.

Fresh herbs add a vibrant punch that transforms an ordinary meal into something spectacular.

Crisp, golden exteriors give way to succulent, flaky fish that melts on your tongue.

Everything Needed For Golden Seared Cod Recipe

• Cod Fillets: Fresh, white fish that provides a delicate and mild flavor perfect for searing.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Olive oil helps achieve a golden sear, while butter creates a rich and flavorful sauce.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out the natural taste of the cod.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and warmth to the herb butter sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, citrusy element that adds freshness and balances the richness of the butter.
• Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Dill, Chives): Provide a vibrant, green flavor and visual appeal to the dish, enhancing the overall taste profile.

Steps To Make Golden Seared Cod With Butter Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Cod Fillets

Gently pat cod fillets completely dry using paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring an even coating.

Step 2: Sear Fish to Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place cod fillets in the hot pan and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side. Look for a beautiful golden-brown crust and ensure the fish is cooked through. Transfer fillets to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Butter Base

Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add butter and let it melt completely, using a spatula to scrape up those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Infuse with Aromatic Garlic

Drop minced garlic into the melted butter. Saute for 1-2 minutes until the kitchen fills with a fragrant aroma and garlic turns slightly golden.

Step 5: Build Herb Butter Sauce

• Parsley
• Dill
• Chives

Pour in fresh lemon juice and cook for an additional minute, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Reunite Fish with Sauce

Gently return cod fillets to the skillet. Lovingly spoon the herb-infused butter sauce over the fish, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer fillets to serving plates immediately. Garnish with extra fresh herbs for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve hot and savor the delightful combination of crispy fish and silky sauce.

Tips For Cooking Golden Seared Cod Just Right

• Pat fish thoroughly to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior when searing.
• Use fresh, high-quality cod for the best flavor and texture in this delicate dish.
• Keep butter sauce light by using just enough to coat the fish without overwhelming it.
• For a gluten-free option, replace regular butter with clarified butter or ghee.
• Add a splash of white wine to the herb butter sauce for extra depth and complexity.

Flavorful Twists On Golden Seared Cod Dish

• Mediterranean Cod: Replace herb butter sauce with a quick tomato and olive sauce, using diced tomatoes, kalamata olives, and a splash of white wine.
• Asian-Inspired Cod: Create a soy-ginger glaze with sesame oil, minced ginger, soy sauce, and green onions for a savory east Asian profile.
• Spicy Cajun Cod: Coat the fish with Cajun seasoning before searing, then prepare a spicy remoulade sauce using mayonnaise, hot sauce, and chopped pickles.
• Coconut Curry Cod: Swap herb butter for a light coconut curry sauce with yellow curry powder, coconut milk, and fresh cilantro, serving over steamed rice.

What To Serve With Golden Seared Cod Fillets

• Elevate Seafood Harmony: White Wine Pairing
• Uncork a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the delicate cod and bright herb butter sauce. These wines offer refreshing acidity that cuts through the richness while enhancing the fish's subtle flavors.
• Match Mediterranean Sides: Vegetable Companions
• Roast asparagus or green beans with olive oil and lemon zest to echo the herb butter's citrusy notes. These vegetable sides provide a light, complementary texture that balances the golden-seared cod's elegant profile.
• Craft Rustic Bread Accompaniment: Crusty Partner
• Select a crusty sourdough or French baguette to soak up the luxurious herb butter sauce.

How To Store Golden Seared Cod After Cooking

• Store leftover cod in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 1-2 days for optimal freshness and taste.
• Wrap individual cod fillets tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Preheat oven to 275°F. Place cod in a baking dish, add a splash of water, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness.
• Heat cod on 50% power in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each interval. Add a small pat of butter to maintain moisture and prevent toughening.

Golden Seared Cod Recipe Questions Answered

• Is cod a healthy fish to eat?

Cod is an excellent source of lean protein, low in calories, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health.

• What herbs work best in this recipe?

Parsley, dill, and chives are perfect, but you can also try tarragon or thyme for a different flavor profile.

• How do I know when cod is perfectly cooked?

The fish should be opaque, flake easily with a fork, and reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Overcooking can make it dry and tough.

• Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw the fish completely in the refrigerator and pat it dry before cooking to ensure a crispy golden sear.

Why Golden Seared Cod With Herb Butter Is So Elegant

• Quickly Customize: Adapt the recipe by switching herbs or adding your favorite spices for a personalized touch.
• Master Simple Techniques: Learn professional-level searing and sauce-making skills with this straightforward method that elevates home cooking.
• Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home: Create a sophisticated seafood dish that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant without complex preparation.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Transform just a few basic ingredients into a delicious, impressive meal that feels gourmet but requires minimal kitchen expertise.

Golden Seared Cod Recipe with Herb Butter Sauce

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 15-17 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean cod receives a luxurious upgrade with this golden-seared masterpiece, expertly dressed in a silky herb butter sauce. Rich coastal flavors and delicate fish create an elegant dinner that transports you straight to Mediterranean shores with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 (6-ounce/170 grams) cod fillets

Cooking Fats and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Herbs and Aromatics:

• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 2 tablespoons (8 grams) fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon (4 grams) fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon (4 grams) fresh chives, snipped

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly blot cod fillets with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then generously season both surfaces with salt and pepper.
2. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil until shimmering. Carefully place cod fillets into hot oil and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, developing a golden-brown crust and ensuring complete cooking. Transfer fish to a warming plate.
3. Lower skillet temperature to medium and introduce butter, allowing it to melt while gently scraping caramelized remnants from the pan to intensify flavor profile.
4. Introduce minced garlic to the melted butter, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until aromatic and slightly softened.
5. Deglaze the pan by incorporating fresh lemon juice and mixed herbs like parsley, dill, and chives. Simmer briefly to marry flavors, approximately 1 minute.
6. Gently nestle seared cod fillets back into the herb-infused butter sauce, delicately coating each piece to ensure maximum flavor absorption.
7. Plate immediately, optionally garnishing with additional fresh herb sprinklings for visual appeal and enhanced herbaceous notes.

Notes

• Ensure cod fillets are completely dry before searing to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and prevent steaming.
• Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and optimal searing results.
• Select fresh, high-quality cod with firm, white flesh for the best flavor and texture.
• For a gluten-free version, replace butter with olive oil or dairy-free alternative and use fresh herbs to maintain rich flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg