Ingredients
For the Seared Cod:
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4 cod fillets (6-8 oz each, skin-on for crispiness)
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2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil for high heat)
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1 tbsp butter (for richness)
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Salt & black pepper (to taste)
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½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
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½ tsp smoked paprika (for depth)
For the Herb Butter Sauce:
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4 tbsp unsalted butter
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
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1 tbsp fresh chives, finely sliced
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1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
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½ tsp lemon zest (for brightness)
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Salt & pepper to taste
(Substitutions: Use thyme or tarragon if preferred. For dairy-free, replace butter with ghee or olive oil.)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Cod
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Pat cod fillets very dry with paper towels (crucial for crispy skin).
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Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Step 2: Heat the Pan
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
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Add 1 tbsp butter for extra flavor (it should foam but not burn).
Step 3: Sear the Cod
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Place cod fillets skin-side down (if skinless, sear the flatter side first).
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Press gently for 30 seconds to prevent curling.
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Cook 3-4 minutes undisturbed until golden and crispy.
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Flip and cook 2-3 more minutes until opaque and flaky.
Step 4: Make the Herb Butter Sauce
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In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
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Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds (don’t let it burn).
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Stir in herbs, lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper.
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Remove from heat.
Step 5: Serve
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Drizzle herb butter sauce over cod.
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Garnish with extra herbs and lemon wedges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Americans
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 28g
Keywords: Golden Seared Cod with Herb Butter Sauce