North Sea Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon-Dill Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy-skinned cod fillets served with a light lemon-dill sauce, embodying Brussels' seafood restaurants and fresh North Sea catch. This French-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs cod fillets, olive oil, lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 French cuisine 450 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1 lb cod fillets dry with paper towels and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cod skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes until skin is crispy and golden. Flip and cook for 3-4 minutes until fish is opaque and internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
  3. Step 3: Remove fish and set aside. Add 1 lemon slice to skillet and cook for 1 minute to release flavor.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/4 cup white wine and 1/4 cup fish stock to skillet, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes until liquid reduces by half.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh dill, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, and 1/4 tsp salt. Cook until butter melts and sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Return fish to skillet and spoon sauce over top. Add 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes and 1/4 cup rinsed capers, cooking for 1 minute until tomatoes warm through.

Frequently asked questions

How long does North Sea Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon-Dill Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 North Sea Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon-Dill Sauce?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in North Sea Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon-Dill Sauce?

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 North Sea Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon-Dill Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 North Sea Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon-Dill Sauce?

French 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

Related recipes