Golden-Kissed Cod with Fragrant Herb Butter Sauce Recipe

The aroma of golden seared cod dancing with a luxurious herb butter sauce promises a culinary adventure that transports seafood lovers to coastal kitchens.

Delicate fish meets rich, velvety flavors in this elegant dish that comes together with surprising ease.

Every flaky bite carries the brightness of fresh herbs melting into a silky, golden-edged cod fillet.

Restaurant-quality cooking becomes attainable right in your own kitchen with this simple yet impressive recipe.

The combination of crisp exterior and tender interior creates a perfect balance that will delight your palate.

Impress your dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-worthy meal that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

This dish turns an ordinary evening into a gourmet experience you won’t soon forget.

Golden Seared Cod with Herb Butter: Ingredients

• Flour: Helps create a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor and beautiful reddish hue.
• Onion Powder: Provides a savory depth without added texture.
• Thyme, Oregano: Classic herbs that bring earthy, aromatic notes.
• Cayenne Pepper: Introduces a gentle heat that wakes up the palate.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing overall flavor.

• Cod Fillets: Delicate white fish with a mild, buttery taste perfect for searing.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Creates a golden sear and provides rich, smooth foundation.
• Garlic: Brings intense, aromatic flavor that complements the fish.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and creates a light, silky sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish with a tangy, fresh accent.

• Parsley: Adds a fresh, green pop of color and herbaceous finish.

Must-Have Tools for Cooking Golden Seared Cod

• Mixing Bowl: Small bowl for combining dry ingredients and seasoning.
• Whisk: Essential for blending flour and spices smoothly.
• Non-Stick Skillet: Key for searing cod without sticking and creating golden crust.
• Measuring Tablespoon: Helps accurately measure butter and oil.
• Spatula: Perfect for flipping cod and transferring fish to plates.
• Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Used for chopping parsley and preparing ingredients.

Golden Seared Cod Instructions with Herb Butter

• Flavor Coating

Mix a blend of dry spices to create a zesty seasoning layer for the fish.

• Cod Preparation

Gently cover each cod fillet with the spice mixture, ensuring even coverage.

• Searing Magic

Warm a skillet with butter and olive oil, then cook the cod until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust on both sides.

• Herb Butter Sauce

Lower the skillet’s heat and create a quick, luxurious sauce by sautéing garlic and combining with broth and fresh lemon juice.

• Finishing Touch

Drizzle the aromatic sauce over the perfectly cooked cod, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately while hot and fragrant.

Pro Tips for Flavorful Seared Cod

• Pat cod fillets completely dry before coating to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and creates a delightful texture.
• Swap cayenne for smoked paprika to dial down heat, or add red pepper flakes for extra kick, making the dish adaptable to personal taste preferences.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or chives instead of parsley, or add a splash of white wine for a more complex sauce flavor profile.
• Replace butter with olive oil or use a lighter protein like tilapia for a healthier alternative that still delivers incredible taste and texture.
• Use the same skillet for searing and making sauce to capture all the delicious browned bits, maximizing flavor and minimizing cleanup.

Plating Golden Cod with Style

• Pair with Zesty Salad: Complement the golden cod with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in light vinaigrette, adding freshness and balance to the rich herb butter sauce.
• Rice Companion Delight: Serve alongside fluffy white rice or herbed quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce and create a complete, satisfying meal.
• Roasted Vegetable Side: Roast asparagus, bell peppers, or brussels sprouts with a touch of olive oil and sea salt to enhance the cod's delicate flavor and provide colorful nutrition.
• Wine Match Magic: Select a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to perfectly accentuate the fish's delicate taste and bright herb butter sauce.

Keep It Fresh: Cod Storage Plan

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover cod in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the fish and sauce separate to maintain the best texture and prevent sogginess.
• Reheat Gently: Warm the cod slowly in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short 15-second intervals to prevent overcooking and drying out the delicate fish.
• Freeze Smart: Wrap individual cod portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen cod maintains quality for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Prep Ahead: Mix the flour seasoning blend up to 3 days in advance and store in a sealed container. This saves time when you're ready to cook and keeps the spices fresh.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 372 kcal

Servings: 5

Crispy Seared Cod With Herb Butter Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent golden seared cod with herb butter sauce brings Mediterranean coastal charm to dinner tables. Crisp fish fillets nestle under silky herb-infused butter, delivering elegant seafood pleasure you’ll savor with simple sophistication.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cod fillets, skinless, about 1-inch thick (6 oz / 170 g)
• ¾ tsp salt
• ¾ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp dried thyme
• ¼ tsp dried oregano
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 5 tbsps Danish Creamery butter, divided
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 ½ tbsps low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 ½ tbsps fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Whisk together flour, paprika, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish to create a robust, aromatic coating.
2. Fillet Preparation: Meticulously dry cod fillets with paper towels, ensuring a pristine surface for optimal flour adherence.
3. Coating Process: Thoroughly dredge each fillet in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to create an even, complete coverage.
4. Searing Stage: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high, incorporating butter and olive oil to create a perfect golden-brown crust.
5. Cooking Technique: Carefully introduce the coated fillets to the sizzling pan, allowing them to develop a crisp exterior for 3-4 minutes per side without disrupting the cooking process.
6. Sauce Creation: Lower heat to medium-low, melt remaining butter, and quickly sauté minced garlic for a brief moment to release its aromatic essence.
7. Sauce Finishing: Remove skillet from heat, whisking in chicken broth and fresh lemon juice to craft a light, zesty sauce that complements the fish’s delicate flavor.
8. Plating and Garnish: Transfer golden cod to serving plates, generously drizzle with herb-infused sauce, and sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.
9. Serving Recommendation: Present immediately, ensuring the fish remains hot and the sauce maintains its delicate warmth.

Notes

• Optimize Coating Technique: Press seasoned flour gently but firmly onto cod to create a thick, even layer that ensures maximum flavor and crispy texture.
• Control Skillet Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve golden-brown crust without burning the delicate fish coating.
• Watch Garlic Carefully: Sauté garlic for only 15 seconds to release flavor without turning bitter or burning.
• Serve Immediately: Cod is best enjoyed hot off the skillet to preserve its crispy exterior and tender interior.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 372
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 430 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg