If you’re craving a dish that’s fresh, flavorful, and downright satisfying, this Pan Fried Cod with Lemon and Herbs Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a simple seafood marvel that brings together tender cod fillets cooked to golden perfection, kissed with zesty lemon, and enlivened by a bouquet of herbs. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting to explore fish dishes, this recipe delivers everything you want in a meal—light yet rich, elegant yet straightforward, and bursting with bright, vibrant flavors that make every bite a small celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly uncomplicated but each one plays a crucial role to elevate this Pan Fried Cod with Lemon and Herbs Recipe. From the gentle seasoning that bonds with the fish to the butter and lemon that create a luscious sauce, every component ensures a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.
- 1 pound cod fillets: Choose firm, fresh fillets for the best flaky texture and mild sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the cod without overpowering it.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a subtle herby warmth that complements seafood beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a hint of savory depth without the sharpness of fresh garlic.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a classic Mediterranean touch, giving the dish a fragrant earthiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Delivers mild heat and a touch of spice that rounds out the seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for a crisp, golden sear on the cod’s surface.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and helps carry the lemon’s brightness over the fish.
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice: Gives the dish its signature tang that brightens each bite.
- Optional toppings: Chopped fresh dill or parsley and lemon wedges for garnish and extra zest.
How to Make Pan Fried Cod with Lemon and Herbs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cod Fillets
Start by patting your cod fillets dry with paper towels. This step is crucial because removing excess moisture helps the fish develop a beautiful golden crust instead of steaming in the pan.
Step 2: Mix the Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, dried basil, garlic powder, dried oregano, and ground black pepper. This blend is the heart of the recipe, giving your cod a perfectly balanced herbal and savory flavor.
Step 3: Season the Fish
Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over both sides of the fillets. Use your hands to gently pat the mixture onto the surface, helping it stick and infuse the fish with flavor.
Step 4: Heat the Pan and Cook the First Side
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot. Lay the cod carefully in the pan, letting it cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes. This allows the fish to develop a nice crust for that satisfying texture.
Step 5: Flip the Fish and Add Butter and Lemon
Turn the fillets over gently, then add the butter to the pan. Immediately pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice. The butter will melt into the lemon juice, creating a delicious, tangy sauce that enhances the cod.
Step 6: Continue Cooking and Baste
Let the fish cook for another 3 minutes. While it finishes, spoon the luscious melted butter, oil, and lemon mixture over the fillets repeatedly. This basting keeps the fish moist and infuses deeper flavor.
Step 7: Check for Doneness and Serve
Your cod is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. Remove it from the pan and get ready to enjoy a plate full of sunshine.
How to Serve Pan Fried Cod with Lemon and Herbs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like dill or parsley add a pop of vibrant green and an aromatic lift that pairs brilliantly with the lemony fish. A few lemon wedges on the side invite everyone to add an extra squeeze of brightness if they want.
Side Dishes
This cod shines alongside simple sides like steamed asparagus, roasted baby potatoes, or a crisp green salad. Light, fresh accompaniments keep the meal balanced and let the flavors of the fish truly shine.
Creative Ways to Present
For a wow-worthy presentation, serve the cod over a bed of herbed quinoa or cauliflower rice, drizzled with pan sauce from cooking. Garnish with microgreens or edible flowers to elevate this humble dish to dinner party status.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover pan fried cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, making it an easy and healthy next-day meal option.
Freezing
Though best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked cod by wrapping it tightly in foil and placing it in a freezer-safe bag. Use within 1 month for optimal texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 275 degrees F wrapped in foil. Avoid microwaving to prevent the fish from drying out or becoming rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cod is ideal for its mild flavor and flaky texture, other white fish like haddock or halibut will also work wonderfully with the lemon and herb seasoning.
What if I don’t have dried herbs?
You can substitute with fresh herbs, but use about twice as much since fresh herbs are less concentrated. Fresh basil, oregano, and parsley will brighten the dish beautifully.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Pan Fried Cod with Lemon and Herbs Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses whole ingredients without any flour or breading.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, swap cod for firm tofu or cauliflower steaks, use olive oil instead of butter, and increase the lemon juice and herbs for flavor.
How do I know when the cod is perfectly cooked?
Perfectly cooked cod will flake easily with a fork and feel opaque all the way through. If you have a thermometer, 145 degrees F is the ideal internal temperature to ensure it’s done but still moist.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about preparing this Pan Fried Cod with Lemon and Herbs Recipe. It’s fast, fuss-free, and tastes like a coastal breeze on your plate. Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or a weeknight treat, this recipe will swiftly become one you reach for again and again. Give it a try and watch how it brings light and zest to your dining table!
Print
Pan Fried Cod with Lemon and Herbs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Pan Fried Cod recipe features tender, flaky cod fillets seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, then cooked to perfection in olive oil and butter with a splash of lemon juice. It’s a quick, flavorful meal that yields a healthy and satisfying dinner for two.
Ingredients
Fish
- 1 pound cod fillets
Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Optional Toppings
- Chopped fresh dill or parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the fish: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels, pressing firmly to remove any excess water. This helps the seasoning stick and ensures a better sear.
- Mix seasoning blend: In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, dried basil, garlic powder, dried oregano, and ground black pepper. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Season the cod: Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the cod fillets. Pat down with your hands to help the spices adhere to the fish.
- Heat the skillet and start cooking: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned cod fillets and let cook undisturbed for 4 minutes to develop a golden crust.
- Flip and add butter and lemon: Carefully flip the fish, add the butter to the pan, and pour the lemon juice over the fillets.
- Continue cooking and baste: Cook for an additional 3 minutes, spooning the melted butter, olive oil, and lemon mixture over the fish to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Check doneness and serve: The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and an instant-read thermometer registers 145°F internally. Serve immediately with optional chopped fresh dill or parsley and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Patting the fish dry before seasoning is essential for a good sear and crispy exterior.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor in the finishing sauce.
- Be careful not to overcook the cod to keep it moist and tender.
- Fresh herbs like dill or parsley add brightness and complement the lemony flavor.
- A nonstick skillet works great for easy flipping and preventing the fish from sticking.
