Description
This recipe features tender, flaky cod fillets with a crisp golden crust, drizzled in a fragrant herb butter sauce. The fresh herbs add brightness, while the garlic and lemon create a rich and zesty flavor. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal, this dish is both quick to make and elegant enough for a special occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 (6-ounce) cod fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, snipped
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2️⃣ Sear the cod: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering but not smoking. Carefully place the cod fillets in the skillet and cook for about 4 minutes on one side, until the underside turns a crisp golden brown.
3️⃣ Flip and cook: Gently flip the cod fillets using a spatula and cook for another 3 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
4️⃣ Remove and keep warm: Remove the cod from the skillet and keep it warm on a plate, tented with foil.
5️⃣ Make the herb butter sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic, cooking until the butter melts and the garlic becomes fragrant, about 1 minute.
6️⃣ Add herbs and lemon: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lemon juice, parsley, dill, and chives.
7️⃣ Serve: Spoon the herb butter sauce generously over the warm cod fillets. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cod fillets are completely dry before searing, as this helps achieve that beautiful golden crust.
- You can substitute cod with other white fish like haddock or halibut.
- Serve this with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad to make it a complete meal.