Pan-Seared Cod – The Almond Eater

Enjoy this 15-minute Pan-Seared Cod recipe for easy yet elegant weeknight meals! Crispy, golden, and tender cod filets are finished with a divine garlic butter sauce, delivering restaurant-quality results without the fuss.

This Pan Seared Cod recipe is one of my go-to’s when I need a delicious protein for dinner in a hurry. Don’t get me wrong, I love baking cod, but there’s something undeniably satisfying about the sizzle and aroma that fills the kitchen when you sear it on the stove.

Pan searing is a classic cooking technique and one of the best when it comes to seafood. Unlike baking, which can sometimes lead to dry or overcooked fish, pan searing gives you more control over the heat and the finished result. In this recipe, each pan fried cod filet comes out of the pan with succulent meat and a beautifully caramelized, crispy exterior.

The cherry on top of this easy cod recipe is the garlic butter sauce! It’s easy to make in the same pan as the fish and, when drizzled over top, makes every bite taste like it came straight from your favorite seafood restaurant.

Recipe features 

• Like my maple glazed salmon, it’s an easy dish that’s ready in just 15 minutes! Perfect when you need a delicious but budget-friendly meal in a hurry.
• Pan searing creates a crispy, golden crust on the outside and keeps the interior moist and tender. 
• The rich and savory garlic butter sauce makes every bite of fried cod feel luxurious!

Ingredients

Cod – Cod is one of my favorite fishes because it’s so versatile and has a mild flavor. When shopping, look for fresh or frozen cod filets that look translucent and shiny and have a mild “fresh from the sea” scent. If you use frozen fish, make sure to thaw the filets in the fridge overnight before cooking.

Butter – Cooking the fish in melted butter adds richness and helps create a seared golden crust on the surface. Don’t forget to divide the butter so you have enough for searing the fish and making a delicious garlic butter sauce.

Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves are sautéed in the pan with the fish to make a savory and addictive garlic butter sauce.

Fresh parsley – For a pop of color and freshness on the finished dish.

Instructions

Step 1: Season the cod. Pat the cod filets dry with a paper towel, then season them with salt and ground black pepper. 

Step 2: Sear the cod. Heat some butter in a large, nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the cod filets and cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side. 

Step 3: Make the garlic butter sauce. Reduce the heat before adding the remaining butter and garlic to the pan. Sauté until fragrant. 

Step 4: Garnish and serve. Sprinkle fresh parsley and more salt and pepper over the pan seared fish, then enjoy! 

Tips and FAQs

• Your skillet must be hot! A sizzling hot pan is crucial for creating a beautiful sear and preventing the fish from sticking to the pan.
• Resist the urge to constantly flip the fish. The fish will develop a more beautiful and even golden crust when it’s left to fry undisturbed for at least 3 or 4 minutes per side.

Variations

As I said, cod is very mild and versatile, so it pairs well with lots of other seasonings. Feel free to experiment with the flavor by using any of these seasoning and flavor ideas: 

• Cajun – Rub the filets with a store-bought or homemade Cajun spice blend for a spicy-smoky kick.
• Blackened – Coat the cod filets in a blackening spice mixture and sear them in a hot skillet until charred.
• Lemon herb – Season the cod with lemon zest, chopped fresh dill, parsley, and/or tarragon, and fresh lemon juice for a bright and refreshing flavor.
• Asian-inspired – Marinate the cod in a mix of soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced ginger, and sesame oil for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Serving suggestions

I love pairing the perfectly cooked cod with healthy sides, like a green salad with zesty vinaigrette, roasted carrots, and creamy mashed potatoes. Remember to drizzle any remaining garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the fish for extra flavor, and have bread on the side to soak up every last drop! 

What does cod taste like?

Cod has a mild, sweet flavor with slightly savory undertones. Its texture is firm yet flaky, making it versatile and perfect for pan frying.

Is it better to use fresh or frozen cod?

Personally, I prefer fresh cod because its meaty texture and fresh flavor are unmatched. Frozen cod still yields delicious results and works perfectly in this recipe, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different. 

If using frozen fish, thaw the filets in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water. Pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking.

How long does it take to cook cod?

One cod filet typically takes about 3 to 4 minutes per side to cook in a hot pan, but the total cooking time will depend on the thickness of the filets. You’ll know the cod is cooked perfectly when it turns opaque and the meat easily flakes.

Storage

Refrigerator: Once it’s cool, store the leftover seared cod in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.

Freezer: You can freeze leftover cod for 2 to 3 months. Wrap it in a layer of aluminum foil and transfer it to an airtight container to keep it fresh. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: Either reheat the fish in the microwave or in a lightly oiled pan over medium heat until it’s warmed through.

More easy fish recipes

If you made this easy cod recipe, be sure to leave a comment and star rating below. Thanks!

Pan-Seared Cod

Enjoy this 15-minute Pan-Seared Cod recipe for easy yet elegant weeknight meals! Crispy, golden, and tender cod filets are finished with a divine garlic butter sauce, delivering restaurant-quality results without the fuss.

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Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes minutes

Total Time: 13 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 cod filets thawed and pat dry
• salt and pepper
• 4 tablespoon butter divided
• 2 large garlic cloves
• fresh parsley for topping

Instructions

• Pat the cod dry with a paper towel, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.

• Heat 3 tablespoons of butter in a large, nonstick skillet over medium heat.

• Once melted, add the cod and cook it for 3 minutes per side.

• Reduce heat to medium-low, then add the remaining butter and garlic and saute for 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant.

• Sprinkle cod with fresh parsley, along with more salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

Notes

*Calories are per serving and are an estimation. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 293kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 161g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 417mg | Sodium: 576mg | Potassium: 3726mg | Fiber: 0.03g | Sugar: 0.02g | Vitamin A: 710IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 150mg | Iron: 3mg

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