Seared Cod Recipe

Name: Seared Cod Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 pieces Cod fillets; 2 tablespoons Olive oil; 4 tablespoons Butter; 2 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Lemon juice; 0.5 teaspoon Salt; 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper

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By: Maria
Posted: 07/25/2025

What is a good seared cod recipe? Is this one of those meals that feels fancy but is secretly so easy to throw together? Think of it as a weeknight version of your favorite restaurant-quality fish dish, but without the hassle. What is the best way to get rid of a hefty price tag? I used to always order cod when we went out, but now, I can whip this up faster than we could even do it. How do I get a reservation? What is better than a perfectly browned cod, paired with lemon? What is the best part about this book?

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What is seared cod?

What is seared cod? What are the best ways to cook cod in a hot pan? Think of it as the seafood equivalent of a perfectly seared steak. What is the best way to get a flaky, tender piece of fish? Textural contrast. The outside is crispy and flavorful, while the inside remains moist and delicate. What is the kind of dish that elevates simple ingredients into something truly special? Is it incredibly versatile?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some of the best reasons to cook seared cod?flavorIs it amazing? What is the best combination of butter, garlic, and lemon? What’s that caramelized flavor? Second, it’s incrediblysimpleEven if you’re a complete beginner in the kitchen, you can nail this. What are some of the best ways to save time on a busy weeknight? What I love about this is the way it is written.cost-effectiveWhat is the best way to get cheap cod? What are some of the best pantry staples to make a delicious dinner? What are some of the What is it like to live in the world?versatile! You can serve it with roasted veggies, rice, quinoa, or even a simple salad. It goes with anything! I’ve made similar pan-seared salmon recipes before, but honestly, the delicate flavor of cod makes it worth it. Is it my favorite song? Is it worth it to try it?

How do you make seared cod?

Quick Overview

How do I make seared cod? What is the best way to sear cod in a hot pan? With butter and garlic until golden brown and cooked through. Is lemon juice a good way to add acidity to food? What’s the best part about a grilled chicken? This method is special because it gives you that perfect crust without drying out the fish, if any. What is something I struggled with for ages before figuring out the proper technique?

Ingredients

For Seared Cod:
* 4 (6-ounce) cod fillets, skin on or off (I prefer skin off for this recipe)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 lemon, juiced and zested
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Optional Extras:
* A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick
* A splash of white wine for deglazing the pan

How do I follow the

Step 1: Prep the Cod

How do you pat a cod fillet dry with paper towels? Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. It really brings out the flavor of the fish.

Step 2: Heat the Pan

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. If you are adding fish to a pan, you want the pan to be nice and hot. The butter should be melted and shimmering, but not smoking.

Step 3: Sear the Cod

How do you cook cod fillets in a hot pan? If your pan isn’t big enough, cook the fish in batches. If the fish is cooked through, cook for about 3-4 minutes per side. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Step 4: Add Garlic and Lemon

In the last minute of cooking, add the minced garlic to the pan and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. How do I burn garlic? Squeeze the lemon juice over the cod and sprinkle with lemon zest.

Step 5: Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately. I love roasted asparagus and quinoa, or a simple green salad.

What should I serve it with?

What is the best seared cod recipe? What are some of my favorite combinations?

For a Light and Healthy Meal: Serve with roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a simple salad with a lemon vinaigrette. Quinoa or brown rice also make great accompaniments.

For a Heartier Meal: Pair it with mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a creamy risotto. A crusty baguette for soaking up the delicious pan sauce is always a good idea.

For a Special Occasion: Elevate your meal with a side of creamy polenta, sauteed spinach with garlic, or a roasted vegetable medley. A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs perfectly with the cod.

What is my favorite family tradition to serve seared cod with my grandma’s famous ham and arugula? What are lemon potatoes? The acidity of potatoes cuts through the richness of the fish perfectly. I’ve also found that a sprinkle of toasted almonds adds crunch and nutty flavor that I love. What is the best way to complement cod perfectly? Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own favorite pairings!

How do I make a perfect seared cod?

How do I make seared cod look great every time?

Pat it Dry:The drier the fish, the better the sear. Use paper towels to thoroughly pat the cod fillets dry before seasoning them.

Don’t overcrowd the pan. If you overcrowd the pan, the fish will steam instead of sear. Cook the cod in batches if necessary.

Use the right heat: How do you use it?Medium-high heat is ideal for searing cod. If the pan is hot enough to create a golden-brown crust, you want to keep it warm but not so hot that it burns the crust.

Don’t overcook it: Cod is a delicate fish and can easily become dry if overcooked. Cook it until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). It should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.

Add Flavor: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes, a splash of white wine, or a squeeze of lime juice can all add a delicious twist to this recipe.

Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for the best flavor. Avoid using jarred garlic, which can have a bitter taste.

I learned the hard way that overmixing spices can ruin the texture. I once added a bunch of powdered garlic and it made the fish taste almost gritty. So, stick to fresh ingredients whenever possible. I also experimented with using different types of butter. Brown butter gives it a richer, nuttier taste. But honestly, regular butter works just fine and is often what I have on hand. As for ingredient swaps, you can substitute other white fish like halibut or sea bass. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftover seared cod, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving cooked fish at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days.

Freezer Instructions: While you *can* freeze cooked cod, I don’t recommend it. The texture can become a bit mushy after thawing. If you do freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It will keep for up to 2 months.

Glaze Timing Advice: Since this recipe doesn’t have a glaze, you don’t have to worry about it! But if you were to add a glaze (like a honey-mustard glaze), I would recommend adding it just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

To reheat the cod, you can either microwave it (though it might get a little dry), or gently warm it in a skillet over low heat. I prefer the skillet method, as it helps to retain the fish’s moisture. Just add a little bit of butter or oil to the pan to prevent it from sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cod?

Yes, absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the cod completely before cooking. I usually thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Pat it dry very well before searing.

Can I bake the cod instead of searing it?

Yes, you can bake the cod instead of searing it. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the cod fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through.

What other seasonings can I use?

The possibilities are endless! You can use Cajun seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, Italian seasoning, or even just a simple blend of paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Can I make this ahead of time?

While this dish is best served immediately, you can prep some of the ingredients ahead of time. You can mince the garlic, zest the lemon, and chop the parsley in advance. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator.

Is cod a healthy fish?

Yes, cod is a very healthy fish! It’s low in fat and calories, and high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It’s also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! My go-to seared cod recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or even a fancy dinner party. I truly believe that this recipe is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to enjoy cod. The combination of the perfectly seared crust, the flaky, tender fish, and the bright, zesty lemon sauce is just irresistible. And honestly, the best part is how quickly it comes together. If you enjoyed this recipe, I highly recommend checking out my other seafood recipes, like my pan-seared salmon with dill sauce or my shrimp scampi with linguine. They’re all equally delicious and easy to make! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you try any variations, I’d love to hear about them! Happy cooking!