Pan-Seared Cod with Garlic Butter Recipe

If you’re craving something that’s quick, elegant, and tastes like it came from a fancy seafood joint, you’ve got to try this Pan-Seared Cod with Garlic Butter Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish turns out every single time—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and that garlic butter? It’s like pure magic. Stick around because I’ll share all my tips so you nail it perfectly the first time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to keep the cod moist and flavorful without overpowering its delicate taste. Fresh garlic and parsley add brightness, while butter brings that silky richness everyone loves. For the best outcome, make sure your cod fillets are well-thawed and super dry before cooking.

• Cod filets: I like buying fresh if I can, but frozen works fine—just thaw fully and pat dry to get a great sear.
• Salt and pepper: Keep it simple; seasoning is key to enhancing the cod’s natural flavor.
• Butter: Using real butter makes a huge flavor difference—you’ll taste the richness in the sauce.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic is a must here; it infuses the butter with that irresistible aroma and taste.
• Fresh parsley: It adds a fresh, vibrant pop at the end and makes the dish look pretty, too.

Variations

I love how versatile this Pan-Seared Cod with Garlic Butter Recipe is—you can easily tweak it to suit your cravings or what’s in the fridge. Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own.

• Lemon Twist: My family goes crazy when I add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the cod right before serving—it gives a zesty zing that brightens the whole plate.
• Herb Upgrade: Sometimes, I swap parsley out for fresh thyme or dill, depending on what I have on hand; it’s a nice way to change the flavor profile subtly.
• Spicy Kick: If you like heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes when adding the garlic butter—that extra warmth really complements the fish.
• Diet-Friendly: Swap butter for olive oil if you want a lighter fat option; just keep in mind it won’t have quite the same richness but will still be fabulous.

How to Make Pan-Seared Cod with Garlic Butter Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Cod

First things first, pat your cod fillets completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for that beautiful golden crust—you’ll find that if the surface is wet, the fish steams instead of sears. Then, sprinkle salt and pepper evenly on both sides. I always season right before the pan goes hot to prevent drawing out too much moisture.

Step 2: Sear the Cod to Perfection

Heat 3 tablespoons of butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, carefully add your cod fillets skin-side down if skin-on, or just one side if skinless. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes per side—that’s how you get that irresistible golden crust. Avoid flipping too soon or pressing down on the fish; patience here makes all the difference.

Step 3: Add Garlic Butter Flavor

After flipping the cod, reduce your heat to medium-low and toss in the remaining tablespoon of butter along with the smashed garlic cloves. Let everything sauté gently for about a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant—don’t let it brown too much or it’ll turn bitter. This step infuses the butter into the cod while keeping the fish tender and moist.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once cooked, sprinkle fresh parsley over the cod and add a quick pinch of salt and pepper to taste. This final touch lifts the dish and adds a pretty splash of color. Serve immediately to enjoy that perfect balance of crispy, buttery, and garlicky flavors.

How to Serve Pan-Seared Cod with Garlic Butter Recipe

Garnishes

I always end by scattering fresh parsley on top—not only does it add a lovely color contrast, but it brings that fresh, herbaceous note that cuts through the buttery richness beautifully. Sometimes, I toss a few lemon wedges on the side for anyone who wants a bright squeeze of citrus.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides for this Pan-Seared Cod with Garlic Butter Recipe are simple yet satisfying: roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or even a light, lemony quinoa salad. I’ve also paired it with creamy mashed potatoes for a cozy, comforting meal. The key is to keep sides fresh and simple to let the cod shine.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the cod on a bed of wilted spinach or colorful ratatouille. Drizzling some extra garlic butter from the pan over the top makes it look luxurious—and everyone always asks for seconds. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or sliced olives also adds unexpected texture and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. I’ve found that covering the cod gently with a paper towel inside the container helps absorb moisture, keeping the fish from getting too soggy.

Freezing

Freezing cooked cod isn’t my first choice because it can lose its crispness, but if you must, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When thawing, do so overnight in the fridge to maintain texture as much as possible.

Reheating

To reheat without losing that delightful crust, I like to warm leftover cod gently in a skillet over low heat with a small pat of butter, flipping halfway through. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture close to fresh.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pan-Seared Cod with Garlic Butter Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen when I want something that’s easy but feels special. It’s the kind of dish I’m happy to whip up on a weeknight and also proud to serve guests. Once you try it, I bet you’ll keep this one in your rotation too. So grab your skillet, some cod, and let the garlic butter work its magic—your taste buds will thank you!

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