Pan-Seared Cod with Garlic Lemon Butter and Wilted Spinach

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender cod fillets pan-seared to golden perfection, finished with a bright garlic lemon butter sauce and served on a bed of lightly wilted spinach. This french-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs about 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 280 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 French cuisine 280 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.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the cod fillets and sear for 4 minutes on the first side without moving until golden and crisp at the edges.
  3. Step 3: Carefully flip the fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes until opaque and cooked through. Remove the cod to a warm plate.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, stirring to combine and create a bright butter sauce.
  6. Step 6: In a separate pan, wilt 5 cups packed fresh spinach over medium heat for 2-3 minutes with a small splash of water until tender.
  7. Step 7: Plate the wilted spinach and spoon the garlic lemon butter sauce over the cod fillets before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Cod with Garlic Lemon Butter and Wilted 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-Seared Cod with Garlic Lemon Butter and Wilted 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 about 6 oz each cod fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Cod with Garlic Lemon Butter and Wilted 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-Seared Cod with Garlic Lemon Butter and Wilted 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-Seared Cod with Garlic Lemon Butter and Wilted Spinach?

French 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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