Golden Seared Cod with Herb Butter Sauce

Light, flaky, and bursting with flavor! This Golden Seared Cod is perfectly pan-seared to a crispy finish and topped with a luscious herb butter sauce. A restaurant-quality dish you can make in under 30 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant entertaining.

Ingredients

4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
Salt and pepper, to taste

Herb Butter Sauce:

4 tbsp unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves

Crispy cod paired with a buttery, lemon-herb sauce creates an irresistible combination of freshness and richness.

Instructions

Prepare the Cod:
- Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Sear the Cod:
- Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add cod fillets.
- Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Make the Herb Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in lemon juice, parsley, and thyme.
Serve:
- Pour the herb butter sauce over the seared cod and serve immediately. Pair with rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad.