Pan-Fried Cod with Mushy Peas and Minted Butter
Delicate pan-fried cod paired with classic British mushy peas and a fresh minted butter for a bright, satisfying seafood dish. This british-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs fillets (6 oz each) cod fillets, frozen peas, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 fillets (6 oz each) cod fillets
- 2 cups frozen peas
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Thaw 2 cups frozen peas by placing them in boiling salted water for 3 minutes, then drain.
- Step 2: In a blender or food processor, combine the cooked peas with 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves. Pulse until slightly chunky but well combined; season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: Pat dry 4 cod fillets and season both sides with 1 tsp sea salt and 3/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 5: Add the cod fillets skin-side down and cook for 4 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp. Flip and cook for 3 more minutes until opaque and flaky.
- Step 6: Meanwhile, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves, then remove from heat.
- Step 7: Serve the cod on plates alongside a generous scoop of mushy peas, drizzling the minted butter over the fish for a fresh finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Cod with Mushy Peas and Minted Butter take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Mushy Peas and Minted Butter?
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 frozen peas from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Cod with Mushy Peas and Minted 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 Mushy Peas and Minted Butter 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 Pan-Fried Cod with Mushy Peas and Minted Butter?
British 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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