Pan-Seared Cod with Crabmeat and Lemon Herb Butter

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pan-seared cod fillets topped with a luscious crabmeat and herb butter sauce, brightened by fresh lemon juice for a light seafood dinner. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 22 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 400 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 cod fillets and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cod fillets and sear for 4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 145°F). Remove cod to a warm plate.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium-low and add 4 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup lump crabmeat, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Cook for 2 minutes until crabmeat is warmed through and sauce coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Spoon the crabmeat and herb butter sauce generously over the cod fillets and serve immediately with your choice of side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Cod with Crabmeat and Lemon Herb Butter take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 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-Seared Cod with Crabmeat and Lemon Herb 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 (6 oz each) cod fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Cod with Crabmeat and Lemon Herb 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-Seared Cod with Crabmeat and Lemon Herb 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-Seared Cod with Crabmeat and Lemon Herb Butter?

American 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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