Pacific Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce – Easy & Healthy Seafood Recipe
Pacific Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce – A Quick, Flavorful & Healthy Seafood Dish
If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious seafood recipe, Pacific Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce is the perfect dish. With flaky, mild cod fillets coated in a rich, buttery, and citrusy sauce, this meal is restaurant-quality yet incredibly easy to make at home.
The best part? It’s ready in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even special occasions.
🔗 Looking for fresh Pacific Cod? Order premium Pacific Cod Fillets from Global Seafoods!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Fast & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
✔️ Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with protein, omega-3s, and essential vitamins.
✔️ Mild & Versatile – Pacific Cod absorbs flavors beautifully, making it a perfect canvas for seasonings.
✔️ Restaurant-Quality at Home – Elevate your home-cooked meals with this buttery, citrus-infused dish.
✔️ Pairs with Many Sides – Serve with rice, vegetables, pasta, or potatoes for a complete meal.
Ingredients for Pacific Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce
Main Ingredients:
- 4 Pacific cod fillets (6 oz each)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing the fish)
- 4 tbsp butter (unsalted is best for better flavor control)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (adds depth to the sauce)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (brightens the dish and balances the richness)
- 1 tsp lemon zest (enhances the citrus aroma and taste)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish and freshness)
- ½ tsp paprika or Old Bay seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)
🔗 Need more seafood options? Try Lingcod Fillets for a firmer texture or Halibut Cheeks for a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth bite!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cod
- Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using).
💡 Pro Tip: Drying the cod before cooking helps it sear better and creates a beautiful golden crust.
Step 2: Sear the Cod for a Perfect Golden Crust
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the cod fillets in a single layer.
- Cook for 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and opaque throughout.
- Remove the fillets from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid moving the fish too soon—it needs time to develop a crispy, golden crust!
Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add 4 tbsp butter.
- Stir in minced garlic, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in lemon juice and lemon zest, stirring to combine.
- Simmer the sauce for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
💡 For Extra Flavor: Add a splash of white wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gourmet touch!
Step 4: Finish & Serve
- Return the seared cod fillets to the skillet.
- Spoon the lemon butter sauce over the fillets, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for color and added freshness.
- Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes!
🔗 Want to try another premium fish? Check out Chilean Sea Bass for an ultra-rich, buttery flavor!
Best Side Dishes for Pacific Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce
🥔 Garlic Mashed Potatoes – The creamy texture pairs perfectly with the flaky cod.
🍚 Lemon Herb Rice – A light, fragrant rice dish that soaks up the buttery sauce.
🥦 Steamed or Roasted Vegetables – Asparagus, green beans, or zucchini make great choices.
🥖 Crusty Bread or Garlic Toast – Perfect for dipping into the delicious lemon butter sauce.
💡 Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay for a restaurant-worthy meal!
FAQs About Pacific Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce
1. Can I use frozen Pacific Cod for this recipe?
✔️ Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight and pat it dry before cooking.
2. What other types of fish can I use?
✔️ You can substitute with:
- Halibut (firmer texture, mild taste)
- Tilapia (budget-friendly alternative)
- Haddock (similar to cod but slightly sweeter)
- Chilean Sea Bass (richer, buttery texture)
🔗 For a unique white fish, try Pacific Whiting!
3. Can I bake or grill Pacific Cod instead of pan-searing?
✔️ Absolutely!
- To Bake: Place fillets in a baking dish at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes.
- To Grill: Brush fillets with olive oil and grill over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Can I make the lemon butter sauce ahead of time?
✔️ Yes! You can make the sauce up to 3 days in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.
5. How do I know when Pacific Cod is fully cooked?
✔️ The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. The internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C).
Conclusion: A Must-Try Seafood Recipe for Any Occasion
Pacific Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce is a quick, easy, and healthy dish that’s perfect for any seafood lover. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Why You Should Try This Recipe:
✔️ Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor – Lemon, butter, and garlic create an irresistible sauce.
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
✔️ Healthy & Nutritious – High in protein, omega-3s, and vitamins.
✔️ Restaurant-Quality at Home – Elevate your home-cooked meals with this gourmet dish.
👉 What’s your favorite way to prepare cod? Let us know in the comments!
🔗 For the best seafood, visit Global Seafoods.
Also in Recipes
How to Cook Live Manila Clams at Home: Fresh, Sweet & Delivered Overnight
Discover how to store, clean, and cook Live Manila Clams at home using simple chef techniques. Learn why these Pacific clams are perfect for pasta vongole, steaming, chowders, and more—plus how to order them fresh in a convenient 10 lb bag shipped overnight.
Boiled Crab for Brunch: The Ultimate Guide to Morning Seafood
Discover the joy of Boiled crab for brunch! Learn how to prepare seafood in the morning, its health benefits, and recipes to make your brunch memorable.
The Boiled Crab and Sustainable Fishing: Snow Crab’s Role in Responsible Seafood
Shop Now
Main
News & Updates
Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more…