Description
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.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg