Description
Light, flaky cod fillets seared to golden perfection and served with a luxurious herb-infused butter sauce. This delicate and flavorful dish is simple to prepare yet feels like a gourmet experience.
Ingredients
For the Golden Seared Cod:
- 4 cod fillets (6–8 oz each), skin-on or skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Herb Butter Sauce:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Start by patting the cod fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help the fish get a nice, crispy sear. Season both sides of the fillets generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. The garlic powder will add flavor, while the paprika gives the cod a subtle smoky taste and helps with the searing process.
While the cod fillets are resting with the seasoning, prepare the herb butter sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant and golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Next, add the fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley to the saucepan, and cook for another minute, allowing the herbs to release their flavors into the butter. If you’re using lemon juice, add it to the butter sauce at this point for an added burst of freshness. Season the sauce with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, then remove it from the heat and set it aside to keep warm.
In a large non-stick skillet or cast iron pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the seasoned cod fillets to the pan. Sear the fish for about 3-4 minutes on one side, without moving it, until it forms a golden, crispy crust. After 3-4 minutes, use tongs or a spatula to carefully flip the cod fillets to the other side and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
The total cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets, so be sure to adjust the time accordingly. If the fillets are particularly thick, you can reduce the heat to medium and cook them for a bit longer, ensuring they cook through without burning.
Once the cod is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the pan and place it on a serving platter. Spoon the warm herb butter sauce over the top of each fillet, ensuring that the garlic and herbs are evenly distributed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Fat: 22-25g
- Carbohydrates: 4-6g
- Protein: 30g