There’s something deeply soothing about coming home after a long day and whipping up a dish that provides that warm hug feeling. The Golden Seared Cod with Herb Butter Sauce embodies nostalgia, simplicity, and unadulterated flavor. Cod is a rich and flaky fish that, when perfectly seared with a rich herb-flavored butter sauce, turns into a luxurious meal. Surprisingly, you can easily prepare this sophisticated recipe at home, impressing your guests or elevating your weekday dinners, adding a level of opulence to any meal.
Not only is cod tasty—it’s healthy too, being a great source of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids. This meal is light yet filling, and when served over mashed potatoes or slightly seasoned quinoa, it soaks up the creamy, buttery herb sauce perfectly. Alternatively, pair it with a crisp green salad or bright, cooked asparagus or green beans. For a bit of indulgence, crusty bread works wonderfully to mop up any remaining sauce.
Recipe: Golden Seared Cod with Herb Butter Sauce
Servings: 4
Ingredients
4 cod fillets (6 ounces each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 ounces unsalted butter
1 clove garlic, minced
Juice of half a lemon
3 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh dill weed, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
Directions
1. Prep the Fish
Begin by drying off the cod fillets using paper towels. This step is important as it removes excess moisture, which could hinder proper frying. Once dry, season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Add a bit of oil to each side to enhance browning.
2. Sear the Cod
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it begins to shimmer. Carefully place the fish fillets into the skillet, ensuring they aren’t crowded—this allows them to cook evenly.
Let the fillets cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes, until they develop a golden-brown, crispy underside. Avoid moving them during this time to achieve the perfect sear. Flip the fillets carefully using a spatula and cook the other side for an additional 3 minutes, until they become opaque and can easily be flaked with a fork.
3. Make the Herb Butter Sauce
After the fish is cooked, transfer the fillets onto a warm platter and tent them with aluminum foil to keep warm.
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