Pan-fried cod with butter and lemon sauce
- Preparation 5 min
- Cooking 15 min
- Servings 4
- Freezing I do not suggest
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Pan-Seared Cod with Buttery Lemon Sauce – The Fish That’ll Make You Say WOW!
Hold onto your hat because this pan-seared cod with buttery lemon sauce is about to rock your world! 🔥 Imagine ultra-tender fish, with a perfectly golden, crispy crust, drizzled with a rich, melt-in-your-mouth butter sauce, kicked up with fresh lemon and a salty pop of capers. A simple, quick, and ridiculously delicious dish, perfect for impressing guests in no time… or just treating yourself on a weeknight!
A Restaurant-Worthy Dish, Ready in 20 Minutes!
You don’t need to be a Michelin-star chef to pull off this masterpiece! 💥 Just grab a few simple ingredients and a hot pan:
✅ Butter – because everything’s better with butter, and it gives cod that next-level golden crust.
✅ White wine – to deglaze and add that fancy restaurant-style depth.
✅ Fresh lemon – because butter and lemon? The dream team.
✅ Capers – little bursts of salty, tangy goodness in every bite.
Sear your fish like a pro, whip up the sauce in just a few minutes, and BOOM 💥—you’ve got a plate that looks straight out of a French bistro!
The Perfect Sidekicks for This Dish
Wanna take things up a notch? Serve your cod with:
🍽️ Ultra-buttery mashed potatoes – because sauce + mash = pure decadence.
🥗 A fresh, crisp salad – to balance out all that rich, buttery goodness.
🍚 Fluffy basmati rice – the perfect way to soak up every drop of that amazing sauce.
And if you want to mix things up, this recipe works just as well with halibut, haddock, or even salmon. Basically, you can’t go wrong!
So, ready to dive in? Grab a napkin, pour yourself a glass of white, and attack this buttery lemon cod like there’s no tomorrow! 😏🔥🐟
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🔥 Tips & Tricks for an Even More Delicious Pan-Seared Cod with Buttery Lemon Sauce!
🔥 Pro Tips
- The perfect golden crust! Pat the cod dry with paper towels before cooking to keep it from releasing too much water.
- Hands off! Let it cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes before flipping to get that beautiful golden sear.
- Medium heat, not too high! Too much heat will burn the butter before the fish is properly cooked.
🧊 Storage & Meal Prep
- Fish = always best fresh! Pan-seared cod is meant to be eaten immediately, but it can be stored for up to 24 hours in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Smart reheating! Warm it gently in the oven at 320°F (160°C) for 5-7 minutes instead of the microwave to keep it from drying out.
- The sauce can be made ahead! Store it in a small container in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
🥩 Customization & Variations
- No cod? This recipe also works with halibut, haddock, or even salmon.
- Want a twist? Swap the lemon juice for orange juice for a milder, slightly sweet sauce.
- Extra indulgence? Add a touch of cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan at the end for extra richness.
🍽️ Perfect Pairings
- Creamy mashed potatoes – perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
- Roasted veggies – asparagus, broccoli, or carrots, they all work!
- Basmati rice or quinoa – a light and fragrant option.
With these tips, your pan-seared cod with buttery lemon sauce will be even more irresistible! 🔥🐟😏
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Ingredients
- 750 g cod, cut into 4 or 5 large pieces
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper from the mill
Ingredients for the sauce
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 1/4 cup)
- 1 tablespoon capers
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Preparation
For the fish:
- In a large non-stick frying pan heated over medium-high heat, melt 2 tbsp. butter and add half the fish. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until the fish is golden brown and cooked through. Turn over gently. Set aside on a plate. Melt remaining butter and continue cooking with remaining fish.
- Remove the fish pieces and heat the pan over medium heat.
For the sauce:
- Deglaze with the white wine and scrape the bottom to bring out the flavors. Add butter and melt, stirring constantly.
- Add lemon juice and capers, then stir. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring, to reduce slightly. Serve over fish, with rice and steamed vegetables.
🌿 A sure bet? Parsley and chives, always a winner!
🌱 Looking for sunshine? Thyme, oregano or a touch of tarragon.
🍋 A little boost? Lemon basil or coriander for a fresh kick!
🔥 A little more intense? Rosemary (sparingly!) or dill for a Nordic twist.
💡 Tip: Fresh at the end of cooking, dried in the marinade. Simple, effective, delicious! 😏🐟
– Mashed potatoes for an ultra gourmet side.
– Grilled or steamed vegetables for a lighter meal.
– Basmati rice or quinoa for a balanced option that absorbs the sauce well.
Yes, this recipe works perfectly with cod, halibut, sole or even salmon.
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