Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dish: pan fried cod with lemon butter sauce! It’s one of those meals that feels fancy but is actually super simple to whip up. I love how the cod cooks up so quickly and turns a gorgeous golden brown, and that lemon butter sauce? Wow! It adds this rich, luscious flavor that just makes the fish sing. I remember the first time I made this for my family; they couldn’t believe how delicious it was! It’s become a staple in my kitchen, and I know you’ll fall in love with it just like I did. Trust me, this is a dish you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients for Pan Fried Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious pan fried cod with lemon butter sauce. Trust me, you’ll love how easy this is!
- 2 cod fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Make sure to use fresh cod for the best flavor and texture. And don’t be shy with that lemon juice—it really brightens up the dish! Enjoy the cooking process; it’s all about those simple, quality ingredients coming together to make something truly delightful.
How to Prepare Pan Fried Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce
Alright, let’s dive into making this delicious pan fried cod with lemon butter sauce! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Trust me; it’s simpler than it sounds!
Step 1: Heat the Skillet
First things first, grab a skillet and heat up those 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. You want the oil to shimmer, which means it’s hot and ready for that cod! Just a few minutes should do the trick.
Step 2: Season the Cod
While the skillet is heating, it’s time to season your cod fillets! Sprinkle salt and pepper generously on both sides. This is where you’ll want to ensure an even coverage so that every bite is packed with flavor. Don’t be shy with the seasoning—it’s what makes the fish pop!
Step 3: Cook the Cod
Now, let’s get cooking! Place the seasoned cod fillets in the hot skillet. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You’re looking for that beautiful golden brown color, which tells you they’re perfectly cooked. When the fish is done, it should flake easily with a fork. Yum!
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
Once the cod is cooked to golden perfection, carefully remove the fillets from the skillet and set them aside. In that same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over low heat. As the butter melts, squeeze in the juice of 1 lemon. Give it a good stir—this is where all the magic happens! The combination of butter and lemon creates a rich, tangy sauce that’s going to elevate your dish.
Step 5: Serve the Dish
Now for the grand finale! Pour that luscious lemon butter sauce over the cod fillets. Don’t forget to garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it up immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: From start to finish, you can have this dish ready in just 20 minutes!
- Delicious flavor: The combination of buttery richness and zesty lemon makes every bite a flavor explosion.
- Healthy ingredients: Cod is a lean protein packed with nutrients, making this dish a healthy choice for any meal.
- Easy cleanup: With just one skillet, you won’t have a mountain of dishes to wash afterward—yay for simplicity!
You’ll find that this recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also fits perfectly into a busy lifestyle. It’s truly a winner in my book!
Tips for Success
To make sure your pan fried cod with lemon butter sauce turns out absolutely perfect every time, here are some pro tips I’ve learned along the way!
- Choose Fresh Cod: Always opt for the freshest cod you can find. The fresher the fish, the better the flavor and texture. If possible, check with your local fishmonger for the best catch of the day!
- Adjust Lemon Juice to Taste: Don’t hesitate to tweak the amount of lemon juice based on your preference. I love a good zing, but if you prefer it a bit milder, start with less and add more as you go. You can always taste as you mix!
- Perfect Pairings: This dish goes wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or fluffy rice. The lemon butter sauce is divine drizzled over either, so you really can’t go wrong!
- Mind the Heat: Pay attention to the heat of your skillet. If it’s too hot, the fish can burn before it cooks through. Medium heat is your friend here—patience pays off!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making more than two fillets, cook them in batches. Overcrowding can lower the pan temperature and lead to steaming instead of that lovely pan-frying effect.
With these tips, you’ll be a pro at making this delightful dish in no time! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a little heads up—nutrition can vary quite a bit based on the specific ingredients and brands you use in this recipe. While I’ve provided some general values for the pan fried cod with lemon butter sauce, they’re not set in stone. If you’re keeping a close eye on your dietary needs, it’s always a good idea to calculate the nutritional values based on the exact ingredients you choose. Enjoy this delicious dish without worrying too much about the numbers; it’s all about balance and savoring the flavors!
FAQ about Pan Fried Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce
Can I use frozen cod?
Absolutely! You can use frozen cod for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking. If you’re in a pinch, you can run it under cold water to speed up the thawing process. Just keep in mind that frozen cod may release more moisture while cooking, so be sure to pat it dry with a paper towel before seasoning and frying. This will help you achieve that lovely golden crust!
What can I serve with this dish?
This pan fried cod with lemon butter sauce pairs wonderfully with so many sides! I love serving it with steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for a fresh, crisp contrast. Fluffy white rice or quinoa are also great choices, as they soak up that delicious lemon butter sauce beautifully. If you’re in the mood for something a bit heartier, roasted potatoes or a simple salad can round out the meal perfectly. You really can’t go wrong!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (though that’s rare!), store the cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure it’s cooled down before sealing it up. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to keep the fish from drying out. You can also add a splash of water or a little extra lemon butter sauce while reheating to keep it moist. Enjoy your leftovers just as much as the first time around!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to try this pan fried cod with lemon butter sauce as I am to share it with you! It’s such a simple yet impressive dish that’s sure to brighten up your dinner table. I’d love to hear how yours turns out! If you have any questions or tips of your own, please drop a comment below—let’s chat about all things cod and lemon butter! And if you give this recipe a try, don’t forget to rate it! Your feedback helps me improve and inspire others to get cooking. Enjoy every delicious bite, and happy cooking!
Print
Pan Fried Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce: 2 Ways to Savor
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Pan fried cod with lemon butter sauce is a simple and delicious seafood dish. The fish cooks quickly and the sauce adds a rich flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cod fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season cod fillets with salt and pepper.
- Place the cod in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove the fish and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add lemon juice.
- Stir the sauce and pour it over the cod.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh cod for best results.
- Adjust the lemon juice to your taste.
- Serve with vegetables or rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: pan fried cod with lemon butter sauce
