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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Thoroughly blot cod fillets with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then generously season both surfaces with salt and pepper.
- 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.
- Lower skillet temperature to medium and introduce butter, allowing it to melt while gently scraping caramelized remnants from the pan to intensify flavor profile.
- Introduce minced garlic to the melted butter, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until aromatic and slightly softened.
- Deglaze the pan by incorporating fresh lemon juice and mixed herbs like parsley, dill, and chives. Simmer briefly to marry flavors, approximately 1 minute.
- Gently nestle seared cod fillets back into the herb-infused butter sauce, delicately coating each piece to ensure maximum flavor absorption.
- 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