Easy Pan Fried Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce

This Easy Pan Fried Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce comes together in about 15–20 minutes and delivers flaky, tender fish with a golden crust and bright, buttery lemon flavor. Coated in a seasoned flour dredge and seared to perfection, this cod pairs beautifully with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or crisp vegetables, making it one of the best quick white fish dinner recipes for any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Pan Fried Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

• Super Quick: Ready in under 20 minutes, this easy fish recipe is perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
• Mild, Kid-Friendly Flavor: Cod’s tender, flaky texture and mild taste make it a hit with picky eaters.
• Protein-Packed: Cod is a lean source of protein, and it’s low in carbs.
• Delicious Lemon Butter Sauce: The lemon butter sauce adds rich, bright flavor, without extra fuss.
• Versatile: Easily switch up the cod for your favorite fish, or sides to suit your meal plan.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Cod: Easily substitute with other white fish. Haddock, pollock, hake, flounder, halibut, tilapia, Mahi-Mahi, grouper, or Chilean sea bass are great alternatives. Adjust cooking time, as needed.
• Oil: Swap canola for avocado oil or vegetable oil for higher heat stability.
• Flour Dredge: Use gluten-free flour blend or rice flour instead of all-purpose.
• Lemon Butter Sauce: Replace the white wine with chicken or vegetable broth for a non-alcohol version.

How to Prepare Pan Fried Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce

1. In a shallow bowl or plate, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika.
2. Pat the cod filets with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
3. Squeeze lemon juice on all sides of the fish.
4. Season both sides of the cod with salt and pepper.
5. Heat the oil in a large non-stick pan.
6. Lightly coat the cod filets in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
7. Place cod in the heated oil. Allow to brown and form a crust before flipping (should take about 5 to 6 minutes for a thick cod filet).
8. Brown the opposite side for about three minutes. 
9. Transfer the fish to a platter.
10. In the same pan, start melting the butter with the garlic.
11. Cook for just a minute to soften the garlic. Do NOT brown!
12. Pour in the wine and cook for another minute, or two.
13. Stir in the fresh parsley.
14. Turn off the heat. Add the lemon juice.
15. Cook for another minute.
16. Drizzle the lemon butter sauce onto the fish.

How to Serve and Store

• Serve this easy pan fried cod with lemon butter sauce with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, and/or steamed vegetables.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
• Reheat in the oven, air fryer or on the stovetop. Avoid microwaving.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What does cod taste like? Cod has a very mild, clean flavor with firm, flaky white flesh. It isn’t “fishy,” which makes it ideal for anyone who prefers lighter seafood dishes.
• Why is my fish sticking to the pan?
  Fish sticks when the pan or oil isn’t hot enough, or when the fish isn’t patted completely dry. Make sure to:
  – Bring cod to room temperature
  – Pat it dry thoroughly
  – Heat the oil before adding the fish
  – Avoid moving the fillets too soon (they naturally release once seared)
• How do I know when cod is done?
  Cod is fully cooked when it flakes easily with a fork, has turned opaque, and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Overcooking makes it dry, so remove it from the heat as soon as it flakes.
• Can I use frozen cod? Yes! Frozen cod works great as long as it is completely thawed and dried well. Excess moisture will prevent browning and cause sticking.
• Can I make this recipe without flour? Absolutely. The flour helps create a golden crust, but you can use gluten-free flour or skip it entirely for a lighter pan-seared cod.
• What pan is best for pan-fried cod? A stainless-steel or nonstick skillet works well.

More Easy Cod Recipes to Love

• Baked Cod with Brown Butter
• Crunchy Baked Cod
• Mediterranean Baked Cod in Parchment
• Cod with Cherry Tomatoes
• Blackened Cod with Creamy Pan Sauce
• Oven Roasted Cod with Mediterranean-Style Sauce
• Cod with Rosemary Cream Sauce

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GET TO KNOW ME!

WELCOME! My name is Melissa Latin aka. Charlotte Fashion Plate. Happy to meet you! I am more than just recipes. I love fashion and style too! Most importantly, I love my Family (my Hubby and my Fur Babies). My Husband (aka my “Kitchen Bitch”) means the world to me. He’s pretty damn cool too. Not only is he one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, he also has had a lengthy career in professional hockey. Not only winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the early ’90’s, but most recently winning the Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers, amongst many other accolades. If you live in Charlotte and play hockey, or have a family member who plays, be sure to contact him!

Our life has changed dramatically in the past few years with the passing of our two goldendoodles, Vegas and Viva. We were lucky enough to have Vegas for five years (totally wish it was longer). Most recently, losing our Viva to a brain tumor in July of 2020. We welcomed our mini goldendoodle 7, almost seven years ago. We just added the amazing Hazel! Of course, I am always posting tons and tons of photos! Be sure to check out my recipe for Pet Bone Broth! This broth is super rich in nutrients and will provide your pet with a multitude of health benefits!

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