Crispy Golden Cod with Herby Butter Drizzle Recipe
Seafood lovers rejoice as this golden seared cod with herb butter sauce delivers pure ocean-fresh elegance right to your plate.
Fresh cod fillets get expertly seared to crispy perfection, creating a delectable golden crust that seals in incredible flavor.
The herb butter sauce adds a luxurious touch that enhances every delicate bite of the fish.
Delicate herbs mingle with rich, creamy butter to create a sauce that elevates this simple protein into a restaurant-worthy dish.
Each forkful promises a harmonious blend of crispy exterior and tender, flaky fish interior.
Professional chefs and home cooks alike will appreciate how quickly this meal comes together with minimal ingredients.
Let’s find out this restaurant-quality seafood experience that looks impressive but takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: 360 kcal
Servings: 5
Golden Seared Cod with Herb Butter Sauce Ingredients
For Main Protein:
Cod Fillets: Fresh, flaky white fish that provides a delicate flavor and tender texture, best when sourced from cold waters with firm, translucent flesh and minimal fishy smell.
For Herb and Seasoning Blend:
Parsley, Dill, Chives: Bright, fresh herbs that add vibrant green color and zesty, aromatic layers to the sauce, selecting crisp, vivid green herbs with strong fragrance for maximum flavor impact.
Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the natural taste of cod, using freshly ground black pepper and high-quality sea salt for depth and complexity.
For Sauce and Cooking Components:
Unsalted Butter, Olive Oil: Creamy butter creates rich, silky sauce while olive oil helps achieve golden sear on fish, choosing high-quality European-style butter for superior flavor and cold-pressed olive oil for smooth cooking.
Garlic: Aromatic allium that provides subtle, warm undertone to herb butter sauce, selecting fresh, firm cloves without green sprouts for most robust taste.
Lemon: Bright citrus that adds tangy freshness and cuts through richness, picking ripe, heavy lemons with smooth, bright yellow skin for maximum juice and zest.
Tools for Cooking Golden Seared Cod to
Large skillet: Essential for searing cod and creating the herb butter sauce.
Paper towels: Perfect for drying cod fillets before seasoning.
Cutting board: Needed for chopping herbs and preparing ingredients.
Sharp knife: Useful for mincing garlic and finely chopping fresh herbs.
Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and coating fish with herb butter sauce.
How to Make Seared Cod in Herb Butter
Cod Preparation Clean, dry cod fillets and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Golden Searing Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high temperature. Cook cod until crispy and golden, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
Herb Butter Magic Remove cod from pan. Reduce heat and melt butter, creating a fragrant base with minced garlic sizzling briefly.
Flavor Symphony Introduce fresh herbs and bright lemon juice into the butter, creating a vibrant sauce that dances with aromatic complexity.
Finishing Touch Gently return cod to the skillet, allowing it to bathe in the luscious herb-infused butter for a final minute of warming, ensuring every bite is infused with rich, delicate flavors.
Seared Cod Flavor Ideas and Tweaks
Select the freshest cod available from your local fishmonger or seafood market to ensure the best flavor and texture in your dish.
Experiment with different fresh herbs like tarragon, thyme, or basil to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences or garden harvest.
Pat cod fillets completely dry before seasoning to achieve that gorgeous golden-brown crust, which locks in moisture and creates a delightful crispy exterior.
Swap cod for other delicate white fish like halibut, sole, or haddock if you want to mix up your seafood selection while maintaining a similar cooking method.
For a healthier version, replace butter with olive oil and use a touch of Greek yogurt or light cream to create a lighter sauce that still delivers incredible flavor.
Serving Golden Seared Cod with Elegance
Coastal Dinner Companion: Pair this golden cod with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to complement the delicate fish flavor.
Vibrant Veggie Sidekick: Serve alongside roasted asparagus or a light Mediterranean quinoa salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and fresh herbs to balance the rich butter sauce.
Elegant Plating Perfection: Arrange the cod on a warm white plate, drizzle the herb butter sauce around the edges, and garnish with fresh herb sprigs and a lemon wedge for a restaurant-quality presentation that will impress guests.
Rustic Bread Enhancer: Include a slice of crusty sourdough or artisan bread to soak up the remaining herb butter sauce, turning this dish into a complete and satisfying meal that captures the essence of coastal dining.
Storage Advice for Golden Cod in Herb Butter
Fridge Storage Magic: Wrap leftover cod tightly in aluminum foil or an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2-3 days, ensuring the fish stays fresh and maintains its delicate texture without absorbing other food odors.
Reheating Rescue Plan: Gently warm the cod in a preheated oven at 275°F for 10-12 minutes. Drizzle a little extra herb butter sauce before reheating to keep the fish moist and prevent it from drying out.
Freezer-Friendly Approach: Separate cod fillets into individual portions before freezing. Place in freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible. Frozen cod will stay delicious for up to 1 month when properly sealed.
Sauce Saving Strategy: Store the herb butter sauce separately in a small glass jar with a tight lid. Refrigerate for up to 5 days, allowing you to refresh leftover fish or use as a tasty condiment for other dishes.
Succulent golden seared cod with herb butter sauce brings Mediterranean coastal flavors to home kitchens. Fresh ingredients and precise technique create an elegant seafood dish perfect for intimate dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
4 cod fillets (6 oz/170 g each)
4 oz (113 g) unsalted butter
2 tbsps olive oil
3 tbsps fresh parsley (finely chopped)
2 tbsps fresh dill (chopped)
1 tbsp fresh chives (chopped)
1 clove garlic (minced)
Juice of ½ lemon
Salt (to taste)
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Preparation: Pat cod fillets completely dry with clean paper towels, ensuring no moisture remains, then season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then gently place seasoned cod fillets into the hot pan, allowing them to develop a golden-brown crust without movement for 3-4 minutes.
Cooking: Carefully flip the cod and continue cooking the opposite side for an additional 3-4 minutes, ensuring the fish reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and becomes fully opaque.
Herb Butter Sauce: Reduce skillet heat to medium, add unsalted butter, and allow it to melt into a light golden color. Introduce minced garlic, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant, then incorporate fresh chopped parsley, dill, and chives, finishing with a splash of lemon juice.
Finishing: Return seared cod to the skillet, gently coating with the aromatic herb butter sauce and warming for 1-2 minutes. Plate the fish and generously spoon remaining herb butter sauce over the top, serving immediately to preserve peak flavor and temperature.
Notes
Ensure Dry Fish: Pat cod fillets completely dry to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the cod reaches 145°F (63°C), guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked fish without overcooking.
Skillet Selection: Choose a heavy-bottomed skillet that distributes heat evenly and prevents burning, crucial for creating a consistent golden crust.
Butter Timing: Add butter after searing to prevent burning and create a rich, nutty flavor that complements the delicate cod perfectly.
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.
Michael Reynolds
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.