Pan-Seared Cod with Almond and Herb Crust

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender cod fillets coated in a golden almond and herb crust, seared to perfection with a bright lemon finish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz) cod fillets, ground almonds, finely chopped fresh parsley 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.

★ 3.4 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup ground almonds, 2 tbsp fresh parsley, 1 tbsp fresh dill, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Press the almond mixture evenly over both sides of the cod fillets to form a cohesive crust.
  4. Step 4: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until butter foams.
  5. Step 5: Place cod fillets crust-side down in skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
  6. Step 6: Flip fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Cod with Almond and Herb Crust take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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-Seared Cod with Almond and Herb Crust?

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) cod fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Cod with Almond and Herb Crust?

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-Seared Cod with Almond and Herb Crust 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-Seared Cod with Almond and Herb Crust?

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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