What is it like to have a perfectly seared piece of fish? Is it a flavor bomb? My grandma used to make something similar with whatever fish was fresh that day, usually in the summer. With a simple lemon butter sauce.What is the Best seared cod recipeIs there a modern twist to her kitchen? Is it easier than making mac and cheese?
What is seared cod?
Think of seared cod as the sophisticated cousin of fish sticks. It’s essentially a fillet of cod, cooked in a hot pan until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust, while the inside remains moist and flaky. It’s not fried, it’s not baked, it’s seared to perfection! What I love about this method is how quickly it cooks – perfect for busy weeknights when you want a healthy and delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s a simple technique that elevates a humble piece of fish into something truly special.
How do you make seared cod?
Quick Overview
Making this What is the best seared cod recipe is a breeze! You’ll start by patting the cod fillets dry (this is key for getting a good sear!), then seasoning them generously. Heat some oil in a skillet until it’s nice and hot, then carefully place the cod in the pan. Sear for a few minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. That’s it! It’s so easy, you’ll be making this every week.
Ingredients
For Seared Cod:
* 4 (6-ounce) cod fillets, about 1 inch thick. I prefer using thicker fillets, they tend to stay moister. I’ve tried olive oil and avocado oil, and they both work great. What is the best way to measure smoke point of garlic powder? Why is garlic powder so good? Adds a little bit of color and smokiness. * 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste. * 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper, or to taste.
What is the recipe for Lemon Butter Sauce?
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter. Real butter is a must! * 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed. Bottled lemon just doesn’t have the same zing. * 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley. Adds color and freshness.
How do I follow
Step 1: Prepare the Cod
How do you pat the cod dry with paper towels? If the fish is too wet, it will steam instead of sear. Season both sides of the cod fillets generously with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Heat the Pan
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until golden brown. You want the pan to be hot, but not smoking. How do you test if a pan is hot enough? If it sizzles and evaporates immediately, you’re good to go.
Step 3: Sear the Cod
What are the best ways to cook cod fillets in a hot skillet? Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and result in steamed fish instead of seared fish. If you want a golden crust on the first side, sear for 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Flip and Cook Through
Gently flip the cod fillets with a spatula and sear for another 3-4 minutes on the second side. When the fish is cooked through, flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Step 5: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce (Optional)
While the cod is searing, you can make the lemon butter sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the parsley and lemon juice. Cook for about a minute, until the sauce is heated through.
Step 6: Serve
Drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the seared cod fillets (if using). Serve immediately and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
This What is the best seared cod recipeWhat are some of my favorite ways to serve it?
What are some quick weeknight meals?Serve with roasted asparagus and a side of quinoa. Is this healthy, delicious, and ready in under 30 minutes?
For a more elegant dinner:Serve with creamy Mashed Potatoes and sautéed green beans. What is the perfect meal for impressing guests?
What is a good light lunch? Serve on top of a bed of mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette. It’s a refreshing and satisfying lunch option.
For a casual gathering:What are the best toppings for fish tacos? I love adding shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and a squeeze of lime.
My family loves it with a simple side of rice and steamed broccoli. Is it possible to go wrong?
How do you perfect a seared cod?
What are some Tips for making the best decisions?What is the best seared cod recipe ever:
How do you pat a fish dry?How do I get a good sear? Use paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible from the cod fillets.
Use a hot pan.Make sure your skillet is nice and hot before adding the cod. Why is the golden brown crust created by high heat?
Don’t overcrowd the pan. If you try to sear too many fillets at once, the temperature of the pan will drop, and the fish will steam instead of sear. Work in batches if necessary.
Don’t move the fish too much. Let the cod sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes on each side. This allows the crust to form properly.
Use a thermometer. The best way to ensure that your cod is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Experiment with seasonings. Feel free to get creative with your seasonings! I love using garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, but you can also try adding other herbs and spices, such as oregano, thyme, or chili powder. Sometimes I like to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little bit of heat.
Make it your own. This is just a base recipe, feel free to add more. Try drizzling the fish with some pesto, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice, or even some balsamic glaze! These will just elevate the dish to a whole new level.
Adjust cooking time. Not all cod fillets are created equal, some are thicker, some are thinner. Also, the pan you’re using may be slightly hotter or cooler than the one I use. As such, adjust the cooking time accordingly so that the fish is perfectly cooked and seared to your liking!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover seared cod (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat it:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving cooked cod at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It will stay fresh, but be sure to consume before then!
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked cod. Wrap each fillet individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cod will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw the cod in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. I’ve done this many times and it still tastes just as amazing!
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the cod, I would recommend adding the lemon butter sauce (or any other sauce) just before serving. This will help to prevent the fish from becoming soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to seared cod recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a simple yet elegant dinner. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful, and I know you’re going to love it. The best part is how versatile it is. You can really customize it to your liking. If you’re a fan of quick and delicious seafood recipes, you should definitely check out my lemon herb baked salmon recipe – it’s another family favorite! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to see your culinary creations! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your seared cod turns out. And if you have any variations or tips of your own, please share them! I love hearing from you all!
Seared Cod Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Cod Fillets Skin on or off
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper
Lemon Butter Sauce
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed
- 2 tbsp Parsley Chopped
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cod fillets to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Remove the cod fillets from the skillet and set aside. Add the butter to the skillet and melt over medium heat. Stir in the lemon juice and parsley.
- Pour the lemon butter sauce over the cod fillets and serve immediately.
Notes
Featured Comments
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