Description
Succulent Golden Seared Cod elevates seafood with its crispy exterior and delicate herb butter sauce, promising a restaurant-quality experience. Luxurious flavors dance across your palate, delivering Mediterranean-inspired elegance in mere minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 (170 grams) cod fillets
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Herbs:
- 2 tablespoons (8 grams) fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon (4 grams) fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon (4 grams) fresh chives, snipped
Sauce Components:
- 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Meticulously dry cod fillets using paper towels, ensuring surface moisture is completely removed. Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper to enhance natural flavors.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature until the surface develops a slight shimmer, avoiding excessive smoking.
- Gently position cod fillets into the heated skillet, allowing each piece to develop a crisp, golden-brown exterior. Cook undisturbed for approximately 4 minutes, watching for color transformation and edge whitening.
- Using a flexible spatula, delicately turn cod fillets to reveal perfectly seared surface. Continue cooking for an additional 3 minutes until fish becomes translucent and flakes effortlessly when prodded with a fork.
- Transfer golden cod to a waiting plate, loosely covering with aluminum foil to maintain optimal temperature and moisture.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium, introducing butter and finely chopped garlic. Swirl and stir until butter melts completely and garlic releases its aromatic essence, approximately 1 minute.
- Remove skillet from heat source, incorporating fresh lemon juice and finely chopped herbs – parsley, dill, and chives – creating a vibrant, fragrant sauce.
- Cascade herb-infused butter sauce generously over warm cod fillets, ensuring each piece receives an abundant coating. Serve immediately to preserve temperature and flavor intensity.
Notes
- Ensure cod fillets are completely dry before searing to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust and prevent steaming.
- Select fresh, high-quality cod with firm, white flesh for the best texture and flavor.
- Use a cast-iron or non-stick skillet to prevent sticking and create an even, crispy exterior.
- Adjust cooking time based on thickness of cod fillets to avoid overcooking and maintain moisture.
- Customize herb butter sauce by experimenting with different fresh herbs like tarragon or basil for unique flavor profiles.
- Transform this dish into a gluten-free option by ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Create a lighter version by using less butter or substituting with olive oil for a heart-healthy alternative.
- Pair with roasted vegetables or a light salad to complement the delicate flavor of the cod.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg