Pan-Seared Cod with Citrus and Herb Vinaigrette
Delicately pan-seared cod fillets topped with a bright citrus and herb vinaigrette for a fresh, light seafood dish. This seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs 6 oz each cod fillets, olive oil, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 230 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 pieces, 6 oz each cod fillets
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp, finely chopped fresh dill
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 cod fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Place the cod fillets in the skillet and sear for 4 minutes on one side without moving, until edges are golden and crisp.
- Step 4: Carefully flip the fillets and cook for an additional 3 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 5: While the fish cooks, whisk together 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp orange juice, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp honey in a small bowl until combined.
- Step 6: Remove the cod from heat and drizzle the citrus herb vinaigrette evenly over each fillet just before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Cod with Citrus and Herb Vinaigrette take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Citrus and Herb Vinaigrette?
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-Seared Cod with Citrus and Herb Vinaigrette?
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 Citrus and Herb Vinaigrette 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-Seared Cod with Citrus and Herb Vinaigrette?
Seafood 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.
