Sizzling Golden Seared Cod with Butter Sauce Recipe

Golden seared cod reinvents an ordinary seafood dish into a culinary masterpiece that promises restaurant-quality elegance.

Marine proteins deserve spectacular treatment, and this recipe delivers exceptional flavor through precise cooking techniques.

Delicate white fish requires gentle handling to preserve its sublime texture and natural sweetness.

Professional chefs understand the critical balance between heat, timing, and seasoning when preparing seafood with finesse.

Mediterranean coastal traditions influence this preparation, emphasizing fresh ingredients and minimalist approaches that highlight the fish’s inherent qualities.

Crispy exterior and tender interior create a sensational contrast that delights discriminating palates with every sublime bite.

Rich herb butter sauce elevates the cod delicate flavor profile, introducing aromatic complexity and silky richness.

Tips for Seared Cod Success

• Prep with Precision: Pat cod fillets completely dry before coating to ensure a perfectly crispy, golden exterior.
• Season Generously: Don't be shy with the spice mixture; a good coating creates a flavorful crust that locks in moisture.
• Master the Sear: Use a hot skillet and resist moving the fish while cooking to develop a beautiful golden-brown color and crisp texture.
• Butter Brilliance: Choose high-quality butter for the sauce to enhance the overall richness and depth of flavor.
• Rest and Serve Quickly: Transfer cod immediately after cooking and sauce right away to maintain the ideal temperature and texture.

How to Keep Cod Fresh for Later

• Store Refrigerated: Place leftover cod in an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 1-2 days for the best flavor and texture. Keep sauce separately to prevent the fish from becoming soggy.
• Reheat Gently: Warm cod in a preheated 275°F oven for 8-10 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the delicate fish tough and rubbery. Drizzle reserved herb butter sauce over the fish just before serving to refresh its flavors.
• Freeze Wisely: Wrap cooled cod tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating to preserve its golden sear and tender texture.

Sides That Work with Seared Cod

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio complement the delicate cod and cut through the richness of the herb butter sauce, enhancing the fish's subtle flavors.
• Fresh Citrus Salad Side: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette that mirrors the sauce's bright notes and provides a refreshing contrast to the golden seared cod.
• Roasted Asparagus Accompaniment: Grill asparagus spears with olive oil and sea salt to add a green vegetable that matches the herb profile and provides a crunchy texture alongside the tender fish.
• Crusty Sourdough Bread: Serve warm sourdough slices to soak up the remaining herb butter sauce, adding a delightful carbohydrate element that complements the delicate cod's preparation.

Cod Recipe Variations Worth Trying

• Mediterranean Herb Crusted: Replace flour mixture with breadcrumbs, ground almonds, fresh oregano, and crushed dried Mediterranean herbs for a crunchier exterior and robust Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Cod: Swap regular spices with Cajun seasoning blend, add extra cayenne pepper, and include diced bell peppers in the sauce for a zesty, Louisiana-inspired seafood experience.
• Asian Ginger Glaze: Substitute herb butter sauce with a light soy-ginger reduction, adding minced ginger, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey for a delicate Asian-inspired coating.
• Citrus Infused Version: Enhance the lemon juice with orange zest, add a splash of white wine to the sauce, and garnish with fresh dill and orange segments for a bright, refreshing seafood preparation.

Why You’ll Love Golden Seared Cod

• Speedy Flavor Explosion: This recipe transforms simple cod into a mouthwatering dish bursting with complex flavors in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy home cooks who crave restaurant-quality meals without hours of preparation.
• Golden Crispy Perfection: The combination of flour mixture and searing technique creates an irresistible golden crust that locks in moisture while delivering a satisfying crunch, elevating the delicate cod to a crispy, textural delight.
• Zesty Herb-Infused Elegance: Layered herbs and spices like thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper blend seamlessly with the bright lemon butter sauce, creating a sophisticated yet approachable flavor profile that transforms an ordinary fish dinner into something extraordinary.

Ingredients for Seared Cod with Herb Sauce

Main Ingredients:

Cod Fillets: Fresh, white fish with a mild, delicate flavor that works perfectly for searing. Wild-caught or sustainably sourced cod is recommended for best taste and texture.

Flour: Creates a crispy, golden exterior when coating the fish. All-purpose flour provides the best standard coating.

Seasoning Blend:

Paprika, Onion Powder, Thyme, Oregano, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Pepper: Aromatic spice mix that adds depth and complexity to the cod’s flavor profile. Use freshly ground spices for maximum taste and ensure they are within their expiration date.

Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:

Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps with searing and creating a smooth sauce. Unsalted butter allows better control of the dish’s saltiness.

Olive Oil: Helps prevent butter from burning and adds a subtle fruity note to the searing process. Extra virgin olive oil offers the best flavor.

Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic base to the sauce. Fresh garlic cloves will give the most intense flavor.

Chicken Broth: Creates a light, flavorful liquid base for the sauce. Low-sodium broth allows more seasoning control.

Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and acidity to balance the rich butter sauce. Fresh lemon juice is preferable to bottled.

Parsley: Provides a fresh, herbal garnish that adds color and a light, clean taste. Fresh, bright green parsley works best.

Steps to Make Herb Butter Cod

Step 1: Prepare Seasoning Mixture

• Flour
• Paprika
• Onion powder
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Pepper

Whisk the ingredients thoroughly until well blended.

Step 2: Coat the Cod

Evenly coat both sides of the cod fillets with the prepared seasoning mixture, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 3: Sear the Cod

Heat butter and olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the cod fillets in the skillet and sear until golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes on each side.

Step 4: Transfer and Prepare Sauce

Move the seared cod to serving plates. Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low and melt the remaining butter.

Step 5: Add Garlic and Finish Sauce

Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 15 seconds. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in chicken broth and fresh lemon juice.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Pour the warm herb butter sauce over the cod fillets. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top and serve immediately.

Golden Seared Cod With Herb Butter Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Coastal Mediterranean flavors dance in this Golden Seared Cod with Herb Butter Sauce, blending delicate fish with rich, aromatic notes. Crisp exterior and silky interior promise a luxurious dining experience you’ll savor with each memorable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 (6 ounces / 170 grams) cod fillets, skinless, about 1-inch thick

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Butter, Oil, and Herbs:

• 5 tablespoons Danish Creamery butter, divided
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 ½ tablespoons low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Combine flour, paprika, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish, creating a flavorful seasoning blend.
2. Gently pat cod fillets dry with paper towels, ensuring a clean surface for optimal coating.
3. Thoroughly dredge each cod fillet in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to help the coating adhere completely to both sides.
4. Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add of butter and a splash of olive oil.
5. Carefully place the coated cod fillets into the hot skillet, allowing them to sear undisturbed until a rich golden crust forms, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
6. Delicately transfer the golden-brown cod fillets to serving plates, keeping them warm.
7. Reduce the skillet’s heat to medium-low and add the remaining butter, allowing it to melt smoothly.
8. Quickly sauté minced garlic for 15 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence without burning.
9. Remove the skillet from heat and whisk in chicken broth and fresh lemon juice to create a light, vibrant sauce.
10. Generously drizzle the herb-infused sauce over the seared cod fillets.
11. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and additional flavor.
12. Serve immediately while the fish is hot and the sauce is warm.

Notes

• Quick-dredging the cod in seasoned flour creates a deliciously crispy golden exterior that seals in moisture and adds incredible flavor.
• Use a non-stick skillet to ensure the delicate cod doesn’t stick and maintains its beautiful golden crust during searing.
• Cooking time is crucial – 3-4 minutes per side prevents overcooking and keeps the fish tender and flaky.
• The herb butter sauce transforms a simple fish dish into a restaurant-quality meal with bright, zesty lemon and rich buttery notes.
• Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous finish that elevates the entire dish’s presentation and taste.
• Serve immediately after preparing to enjoy the cod at its peak texture and temperature.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 330 kcal
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg