Cisco's Coastal Catch: Lemon-Herb Pan-Seared Cod
A bright, flaky cod dish with zesty lemon and fresh herbs, inspired by the vintage Cisco Kid fishing lures found in Minnesota estate auctions. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 23 minutes pairs (6 oz each) cod fillets, extra virgin olive oil, large lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each) cod fillets
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large lemon
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place cod fillets skin-side down (if skin-on) and sear for 3 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 3: Flip cod, add 1 tbsp chopped lemon zest, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp fresh dill to the skillet. Sear for 2 more minutes until fish is opaque at edges.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low, add 2 tbsp butter, and tilt pan to baste fish with melted butter for 1 minute until edges are crispy and fish reaches 145°F internal temperature.
- Step 5: Squeeze juice from half the lemon over fish, scatter remaining dill, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cisco's Coastal Catch: Lemon-Herb Pan-Seared Cod take to make?
Total time is about 23 minutes (15 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cisco's Coastal Catch: Lemon-Herb Pan-Seared Cod?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (6 oz each) cod fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cisco's Coastal Catch: Lemon-Herb Pan-Seared Cod?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cisco's Coastal Catch: Lemon-Herb Pan-Seared Cod for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cisco's Coastal Catch: Lemon-Herb Pan-Seared Cod?
American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
