Lemon Butter Pan-Seared Cod

Lemon Butter Pan-Seared Cod
Light, flaky cod with a golden crust, finished in a silky lemon butter sauce. Quick, elegant, and ready in under 20 minutes!
🧾 Ingredients
4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each), skinless
Salt and black pepper to taste
½ teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon (about 2–3 tablespoons)
Zest of ½ lemon
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon slices (for garnish)
👩‍🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Fish
Pat cod fillets very dry with paper towels (important for a good sear).
Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2️⃣ Sear the Cod
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Place cod in the pan and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and flakes easily with a fork.
Remove from skillet and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
Reduce heat to medium.
Add butter to the same skillet.
Stir in garlic and sauté 30 seconds (don’t burn).
Add lemon juice and zest. Simmer 1–2 minutes.
4️⃣ Finish
Return cod to the pan.
Spoon lemon butter sauce over the fish.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
🍽️ Serve With
Steamed rice
Garlic mashed potatoes
Roasted asparagus or green beans
Crusty bread to soak up sauce