Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon and Fresh Dill
Fragrant cod fillets cooked to golden perfection with a bright lemon-dill finish, ideal for weeknight dinners. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs (6 oz each) cod fillets, all-purpose flour, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 (6 oz each) cod fillets
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup fresh dill
- 1 lemon
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 4 cod fillets dry with paper towels, then season both sides evenly with 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter melts and the oil shimmers (about 1 minute).
- Step 3: Add the seasoned cod fillets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.
- Step 4: Remove the fillets from the skillet and transfer to a plate. Add 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill to the skillet and stir for 30 seconds to infuse, then spoon the dill butter mixture over the fish. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon and Fresh Dill 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 Lemon and Fresh Dill?
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 Lemon and Fresh Dill?
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 Lemon and Fresh Dill 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 Lemon and Fresh Dill?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
