For a simple yet beautiful, gourmet and restaurant feels meal for the average home cook, look no more than this Golden Seared Cod with Herb Butter Sauce! This recipe combines the mild flavor of cod with a buttery sauce fragrant with herbs. The cod itself is crisped up to a dark gold that gives way to tender white fish, and the butter sauce adds the freshness and depth that every bite demands. It’s an quick, though impressive meal that you can make in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients:

4 cod fillets (6 ounces each) Fresh, flaky cod fillets are the featured ingredient in this dish. The cod is mild and quick cooking, so it’s just right for a light, healthful dinner.
2 tablespoons olive oil Used to sear the cod, creating a lovely golden-brown crust.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Salt and pepper are used here—this is a preparation that needs very little else as it allows the cod’s gorgeous flavor to shine without overpowering it.
4 ounces unsalted butter Butter adds richness and velvetiness to the sauce, yet it doesn’t obscure the brightness of the herbs and lemon.
1 clove garlic, minced Garlic brings a savory undertone to the butter sauce, complementing the lemon and herbs perfectly.
Juice of half a lemon — Lemon juice brightens up your dish, delivering a zesty tang that perfectly balances its buttery richness.
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley Parsley lends a bright, fresh flavor and hit of green to the dish.
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped Dill provides a mild, sweet and grassy note that pairs well with tender fish and rich sauce.
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped Chives add a mild onion note, brightening up the sauce.

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Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the cod fillets

Wipe the cod fillets dry with a paper towel. This is crucial for achieving a nice golden sear.
Generously season both sides of the cod fillets with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Cod

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
When the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully lower the cod (skin down, if it has skin) into the pan.
Cook the fillets for 3 to 4 minutes, until they develop a deep golden-brown crust on the bottom, and then flip the fillets and cook on the other side until the fish flakes easily with a fork, about 3 to 4 minutes more. Just don’t overcrowd the pan — work in batches as necessary.
When cooked, take the cod out of the pan and leave on a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Prepare the Herb Butter Sauce

Into the same skillet (no need to clean it — you want all the flavors from the fish), reduce the heat to medium and add the 4 ounces of unsalted butter.
Add the garlic and stir-fry after the butter melts, for 30 seconds to 1 min.
Mix in the fresh parsley, dill and chives. Cook the herbs in the butter for about 1 minute.
Squeeze half a lemon into the pan, stirring the sauce to mix.

Serve Step 4: The Cod with Herb Butter Sauce

Add the seared cod fillets back to the skillet, spooning herb butter sauce over the tops of each piece.
After 1-2 minutes, remove them from the heat and let the fish sit (s) warm in the sauce.
Create individual plates of the cod, drizzling the herb butter sauce over the top.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serve: Serve golden seared cod with your favorite sides. It’s a perfect match for mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, rice or a simple green salad. For an extra punch of flavor, top with more chopped herbs or a wedge of lemon.

Storage: Store any leftover cod in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the pan over low heat, so as not to overcook the fish.

Helpful Notes:

Dry the Cod: Always blot the cod fillets dry before seasoning and searing. This will give your pizza a crispy, golden outside.

Don’t Crowd the Pan: While searing the fish, make sure the fillets aren’t too close together, as this will prevent them from cooking uniformly and forming a crust.

Low and Slow for the Sauce: When you make the herb butter sauce, use low heat in order to keep the garlic from burning and ensure the butter won’t separate.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs:

Chef Gordon Ramsay: “When you put fish down in a pan, press lightly with a spatula immediately. This helps the fillet to cook evenly, as well as prevents it from curling up.”

Chef Julia Child: “Never cook with dried herbs. They really enhance the natural flavors of the dish, and make a world of difference in sauces like this.”

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: Will this recipe work for frozen cod fillets?

A1: Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the fillets and pat them dry before cooking so they don’t have excess moisture.

Q2: Is there an alternative to cod that I can use?

A2: Absolutely! Haddock, halibut or sea bass are excellent substitutes that also work with this recipe.

Q3: How can I tell the cod is ready?

A3: Cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork, and its internal temperature is 145°F (63°C).

Q4: What would I serve with this dish?

A4: It can be served with steamed vegetables, quinoa, or roasted potatoes. A salad with lemon vinaigrette will also work nicely.

Q5: Is there an option to make this dish dairy free?

A5: Yes, you can replace the butter with a plant-based butter or use olive oil for a lighter make.

Q6: Why is it that my fish always sticks to my pan?

A6: Make sure your pan is hot before adding the cod and that you have enough oil in the pan. Don’t touch the fillets too soon — give them a few minutes to sear and develop a crust before turning.

Q7: Is this dish gluten-free?

A7: Yes, this recipe contains gluten-free ingredients, so it is suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Q8: How long can I keep the herb butter sauce?

A8: The herb butter sauce stores in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Reheat it slowly in a skillet before serving.

Q9: Will dried herbs work instead of fresh?

A9: You recommend fresh herbs for flavor, can I use dried herbs instead if needed? Just cut the quantity down to about half, since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Q10: Is there any way I can increase the amount of garlic in the sauce?

A10: Of course! If you love garlic, feel free to include a clove or two more for a heartier flavor.

This Golden Seared Cod with Herb Butter Sauce is a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. For a balanced and flavorful dish likely to impress, you’ll use the two styles: the oxymoronic combo of a crisp sear with a luscious herb butter sauce. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, or for guests, this recipe gives satisfying results, 100 percent of the time. Enjoy!