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Golden Seared Cod with Herb Butter Sauce Recipe | Savory & Delicious

I made this Golden Seared Cod with Herb Butter Sauce Recipe on a quiet evening, and it instantly felt like a special meal. The outside of the cod turned perfectly golden, while the inside stayed flaky and tender. What really won me over was the herb butter sauce—it melted into the fish and filled the kitchen with an amazing aroma.

I love recipes like this because they look elegant but don’t require complicated steps. If you enjoy simple seafood dishes with restaurant-style flavor, this one is for you. For a refreshing drink to accompany it, I sometimes pair it with a Raspberry Mojito or a Coconut Mojito for a tropical twist.

Ingredients

4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each) – Fresh cod is best for a firm texture and flaky finish
2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps create a golden, crispy sear
Salt, to taste – Enhances the natural flavor of the fish
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste – Adds mild heat and balance
4 tablespoons unsalted butter – Forms the base of the rich herb butter sauce
1 garlic clove, minced – Adds depth and aroma to the sauce
Juice of ½ lemon – Brightens and balances the buttery richness
3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped – Adds freshness and color
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped – Complements the cod with light herbal notes
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped – Provides a subtle onion-like flavor

Note: This recipe serves 4 people.

Variations

This recipe is easy to customize based on your preferences or dietary needs:

Dairy-free option: Replace butter with dairy-free butter or extra olive oil
Extra flavor boost: Add lemon zest along with the lemon juice
Garlic-lover’s version: Increase garlic to two cloves for a bolder taste
Herb swaps: Use thyme or tarragon instead of dill
Spicy touch: Add a pinch of red chili flakes to the butter sauce

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large skillet: For searing the cod evenly
Fish spatula or tongs: To flip the cod gently without breaking
Sharp knife: For chopping herbs and garlic
Cutting board: Keeps prep organized and safe
Paper towels: Essential for drying the fish before searing

How to Make Golden Seared Cod with Herb Butter Sauce?

Prepare the Cod

Before cooking, I always pat the cod fillets completely dry using paper towels. This step helps achieve a crisp sear instead of a soggy surface. I season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to bring out the natural flavor of the fish.

Sear the Cod

I heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. The cod goes in gently and cooks undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a golden crust. After flipping, I cook the other side until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Make the Herb Butter Sauce

Using the same pan, I lower the heat and melt the butter. The minced garlic goes in next and cooks just until fragrant, not browned. I then stir in parsley, dill, chives, and fresh lemon juice, letting the sauce come together smoothly.

Combine and Finish

I return the seared cod to the skillet and spoon the herb butter sauce over each fillet. Letting it simmer briefly allows the fish to soak up all that buttery, herby goodness. Once warmed through, it’s ready to serve.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this recipe several times, here’s what I’ve learned:

I always dry the fish thoroughly for the best sear
Fresh herbs make a noticeable difference in flavor
I avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the fish crisp
Cooking on medium heat prevents the butter from burning
I finish with extra lemon juice when I want a brighter taste

How to Serve Golden Seared Cod with Herb Butter Sauce?

This cod pairs wonderfully with simple sides that let the fish shine. I like serving it over steamed rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or buttery noodles. Roasted vegetables or sautéed greens make it feel complete. For presentation, I garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a clean, elegant look.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick nutritional overview per serving:

Calories: Approximately 320
Protein: High, thanks to lean cod fillets
Carbohydrates: Very low
Fat: Moderate, mainly from butter and olive oil

Make Ahead and Storage

Storage

Leftover cod can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors stay pleasant when kept properly chilled.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing the herb butter sauce, as it may separate. However, cooked cod can be frozen for up to one month if wrapped tightly.

Reheating

I reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. This keeps the fish moist and prevents the butter sauce from breaking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This recipe is a favorite for many good reasons:

Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep
Restaurant-style flavor: Rich butter, fresh herbs, and lemon elevate the dish
Healthy option: Cod is lean, light, and protein-packed
Highly versatile: Easy to adapt with different herbs or dietary needs
Beginner-friendly: Simple steps with impressive results

Ben Carraoli