Pan-Roasted Cod with Lemon-Caper Butter and Sautéed Spinach

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

Delicate cod fillets pan-roasted to golden perfection topped with a bright lemon-caper butter sauce, paired with garlicky sautéed spinach. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each) cod fillets, salt, black pepper 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 cod fillets dry and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add cod fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving until edges are crispy and golden.
  2. Step 2: Carefully flip the cod fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily. Remove cod from pan and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet over medium heat, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tbsp drained capers. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, cooking for 30 seconds until butter sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Remove butter sauce from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet over medium heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 8 cups fresh baby spinach with 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until spinach is wilted but still bright green.
  5. Step 5: Plate the sautéed spinach, place cod fillets on top, and drizzle generously with the lemon-caper butter sauce before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Roasted Cod with Lemon-Caper Butter and Sautéed Spinach 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-Roasted Cod with Lemon-Caper Butter and Sautéed Spinach?

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 Pan-Roasted Cod with Lemon-Caper Butter and Sautéed Spinach?

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-Roasted Cod with Lemon-Caper Butter and Sautéed Spinach 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-Roasted Cod with Lemon-Caper Butter and Sautéed Spinach?

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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