There are some recipes that instantly feel like comfort food, and for me, this lemon butter pan fried cod is one of them. It’s quick, fresh, and simple enough for a weeknight, yet elegant enough to plate up when you have company over.
The first time I made this, I didn’t even plan on it being “blog-worthy.” I had cod in the fridge, butter on the counter, and lemons sitting in the fruit basket. What came out of the pan was golden, flaky fish drizzled with nutty browned butter, brightened by fresh lemon zest. My family polished it off in minutes, and now it’s become a staple that makes a weekly appearance on our table.
Why I Love Cooking Cod This Way
Cod is a mild fish—no strong smell, no overpowering taste—so it’s perfect for people who say they “don’t like fish.” Pan-frying gives it a crisp, golden crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender. The browned butter with lemon and garlic takes it from simple to special, all in under 20 minutes.
This dish has saved me on nights when I didn’t want to fuss in the kitchen. A couple of fillets, a squeeze of lemon, and a handful of pantry staples, and dinner feels restaurant-worthy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Cod fillets – Fresh or thawed. Pat them dry for the best sear.
-
Butter – Browning it adds a nutty richness.
-
Lemon juice and zest – The zest really wakes up the flavor.
-
Garlic – Just enough to perfume the sauce.
-
Flour – For a light dusting that helps create that crispy edge.
-
Vegetable oil – Neutral, high-heat oil for frying.
-
Salt & pepper – Season generously on both sides.
-
Fresh parsley or chives – For garnish and a pop of freshness.
Step-by-Step: How I Make It
-
Brown the butter – In a small saucepan, gently whisk butter over medium-low until it foams, turns golden, and smells nutty. Stir in lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
-
Season and flour the cod – Pat the fillets completely dry (this is key for crisping). Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then dust lightly with flour, shaking off excess.
-
Pan-fry the fish – Heat oil in a skillet until shimmering. Add cod fillets and cook 1½–2 minutes per side until golden brown. Adjust cooking time if the fillets are thick.
-
Finish with garlic – Remove the cod. Add chopped garlic to the hot pan, sauté for about 30 seconds, then pour it into the lemon butter.
-
Serve – Drizzle the sauce over the cod, garnish with parsley and lemon wedges, and enjoy while it’s hot.
My Kitchen Tips
-
Dry the fish well – Extra moisture prevents that golden crust. I use paper towels and give it a good pat-down.
-
Don’t move the fillets around – Let them sear undisturbed for that perfect crust.
-
Watch the butter – Browned butter goes from perfect to burnt quickly. The moment it smells nutty, take it off the heat.
-
Check doneness with a thermometer – Cod is ready when it hits 135°F–140°F. It should flake easily with a fork.
-
Serve right away – This dish is best eaten fresh from the pan, when the fish is still crisp and the butter warm.
What to Serve With Lemon Butter Cod
Because this fish is light but flavorful, I like pairing it with sides that balance richness and freshness:
-
Steamed or roasted green beans
-
Cucumber avocado salad
-
Crispy roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes
-
Lemon rice or simple fried rice
-
Maple bacon Brussels sprouts for a hearty side
-
A fresh garden salad with vinaigrette
If I’m entertaining, I usually add a glass of chilled white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio), which pairs beautifully with the lemon butter sauce.
Storing Leftovers
Cod is best fresh, but leftovers do happen. Store cooked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, I place it in a skillet with a splash of broth or water over low heat—this keeps it from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cod?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat very dry before cooking.
Can I swap cod for another fish?
Absolutely! This works just as well with haddock, halibut, or tilapia.
What’s the secret to crispy cod?
Dry fillets, hot oil, and not flipping too soon. Let it form that golden crust before turning.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes—since cod is mild, even picky eaters usually enjoy it. Sometimes I skip the garlic for the kids and just serve it with butter and lemon.
Lemon Butter Pan Fried Cod
Light, flaky, and full of flavor — this lemon butter pan fried cod is the kind of meal that feels both simple and elegant.
Ingredients
- 2 cod fillets
- 2–3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- Extra salt and pepper, for seasoning the fish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by patting the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper, then coat them in flour, shaking off any excess.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat, whisking constantly. Allow it to bubble, foam, and turn golden brown with a nutty aroma. Once browned, pour it into a bowl and stir in the lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Heat the oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the cod and sear for about 1 ½–2 minutes per side, or until golden and crisp. Adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness — cod is done when it reaches 135–140°F internally. Transfer the fillets to a plate.
- Reduce the heat slightly and add the chopped garlic to the hot pan. Stir quickly for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant and lightly browned, then remove from the heat.
- Spoon the lemon butter over the cod, scatter the garlic on top, and garnish with fresh parsley, chives, and lemon wedges. Serve right away, ideally over rice or alongside steamed vegetables.
Notes
- For the best flavor, watch the butter carefully while browning — it can go from nutty and golden to burnt in seconds.
Nutrition Information
Yield
2Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 980Total Fat 42gSaturated Fat 18gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 21gCholesterol 208mgSodium 661mgCarbohydrates 78gFiber 5gSugar 2gProtein 74g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thought
This lemon butter pan fried cod is proof that simple ingredients can make an extraordinary dinner. It’s quick, fresh, and satisfying without being heavy. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a weeknight or plating something special for guests, this recipe is one that never disappoints.
