Golden Seared Cod with Herb Butter Sauce

Golden seared cod with herb butter sauce is a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home. The cod is pan-seared to crispy perfection, then topped with a creamy, aromatic herb butter sauce that melts in your mouth. This recipe is quick (ready in under 30 minutes), healthy, and bursting with flavor perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a light yet indulgent meal, this dish delivers. Follow this step-by-step guide for the crispiest skin, flakiest fish, and richest herb butter sauce.

Recipe Preparation Equipment

• Non-stick or cast-iron skillet (for even searing)
• Tongs or fish spatula (to flip cod gently)
• Small saucepan (for herb butter sauce)
• Mixing bowl (for combining herbs)
• Paper towels (to pat fish dry)
• Measuring spoons & cups

Ingredients

For the Seared Cod:

• 4 cod fillets (6-8 oz each, skin-on for crispiness)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil for high heat)
• 1 tbsp butter (for richness)
• Salt & black pepper (to taste)
• ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (for depth)

For the Herb Butter Sauce:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely sliced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• ½ tsp lemon zest (for brightness)
• Salt & pepper to taste

(Substitutions: Use thyme or tarragon if preferred. For dairy-free, replace butter with ghee or olive oil.)

How to Make Golden Seared Cod with Herb Butter Sauce (Step-by-Step) ?

Step 1: Prep the Cod

• Pat cod fillets very dry with paper towels (crucial for crispy skin).
• Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

Step 2: Heat the Pan

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
• Add 1 tbsp butter for extra flavor (it should foam but not burn).

Step 3: Sear the Cod

• Place cod fillets skin-side down (if skinless, sear the flatter side first).
• Press gently for 30 seconds to prevent curling.
• Cook 3-4 minutes undisturbed until golden and crispy.
• Flip and cook 2-3 more minutes until opaque and flaky.

Step 4: Make the Herb Butter Sauce

• In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
• Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds (don’t let it burn).
• Stir in herbs, lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper.
• Remove from heat.

Step 5: Serve

• Drizzle herb butter sauce over cod.
• Garnish with extra herbs and lemon wedges.

Variations

1. Cajun-Spiced Cod – Add 1 tsp Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.
2. Coconut Lime Sauce – Replace butter with coconut milk + lime juice for tropical flavor.
3. Crispy Almond Crust – Coat cod in crushed almonds before searing.
4. Caper & White Wine Sauce – Deglaze pan with ¼ cup white wine + 1 tbsp capers.
5. Asian Glazed Cod – Swap herb butter for soy sauce, honey, and ginger.

Cooking Notes

• Dry Fish = Crispy Skin – Moisture is the enemy of searing. Pat cod thoroughly.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Cook in batches if needed for even browning.
• Butter Burns Fast – If making sauce separately, keep heat low.
• Fish is Done at 145°F – Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
• Rest Before Serving – Let cod sit 2 minutes after cooking for juiciness.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with:
  • Garlic mashed potatoes
  • Lemon butter asparagus
  • Wild rice pilaf
  • Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts
• Wine Pairing:
  • Sauvignon Blanc (bright acidity cuts through butter)
  • Chardonnay (buttery notes complement the sauce)
• Garnish Ideas:
  • Extra lemon wedges
  • Microgreens
  • Chili flakes for heat

Helpful Tips

✔ Buy Fresh Cod – Look for firm, translucent flesh (no fishy smell).
✔ Room-Temperature Fish – Let cod sit out 10 minutes before cooking for even searing.
✔ High Smoke Point Oil – Use avocado or grapeseed oil if searing at high heat.
✔ Baste for Extra Flavor – Spoon hot butter over cod as it cooks.
✔ Skin-On vs. Skinless – Skin adds crispiness, but skinless works too.

Tips for the Best Golden Seared Cod

🔥 Get the Pan Hot – A cold pan = steamed fish, not seared.
🍋 Brighten with Acid – Lemon juice balances the rich butter.
🌿 Fresh Herbs Only – Dried herbs won’t give the same freshness.
🧈 Brown Butter Option – Cook butter until nutty for deeper flavor.
⏱ Don’t Overcook – Cod turns rubbery if left too long.

Prep/Cooking/Total Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 28g
• Carbs: 2g
• Fat: 22g
• Sodium: 380mg

Similar recipes you may also like:

• Coconut Lime Fish Soup Recipe
• Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe
• Crispy Beer Batter Fish Recipe
• Easy Orange Teriyaki Salmon Recipe
• Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen cod?
A: Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture.

Q: How do I prevent sticking?
A: Use a well-heated pan and enough oil.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: Yes, but reheat gently to avoid separating.

Conclusion

This golden seared cod with herb butter sauce is a foolproof, gourmet dish that’s ready in minutes. The crispy skin, tender fish, and rich sauce make it a showstopper meal for any occasion.

Try it tonight and impress your family with restaurant-quality seafood at home! 🎉

Print