Pan-Fried Cod with Garlic-Basil Brown Butter

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

Tender cod fillets pan-fried and finished in a fragrant garlic-basil brown butter sauce for a rich, aromatic finish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs cod fillets, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 8 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 cod fillets (5 oz each) and season both sides with 3/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Lightly dredge the fillets in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, shaking off excess.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and foaming. Add the cod fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until the crust is golden brown and fish flakes easily with a fork. Transfer fillets to a warm plate.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low and add remaining 2 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, add 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves and cook for 30 seconds until basil is wilted and butter is browned with a nutty aroma. Pour the garlic-basil brown butter over the cod fillets.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Cod with Garlic-Basil Brown Butter take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (8 min prep + 12 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 Pan-Fried Cod with Garlic-Basil Brown Butter?

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 Pan-Fried Cod with Garlic-Basil Brown Butter?

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 Pan-Fried Cod with Garlic-Basil Brown Butter 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 Pan-Fried Cod with Garlic-Basil Brown Butter?

Mediterranean 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.

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