Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon and Herbs
Delicate cod fillets cooked to golden perfection with a citrusy herb finish, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner. This seafood-inspired seafood ready in about 17 minutes pairs (6 oz each) Cod Fillets, tablespoons Olive Oil, Lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 Lemon
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 4 cod fillets (6 oz each) dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 cod fillets and cook undisturbed for 4 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 3: Flip cod, add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon fresh thyme to the skillet, then squeeze 1 tablespoon lemon juice over the fish. Cook for 3 more minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork and lemon juice has reduced slightly.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon and Herbs take to make?
Total time is about 17 minutes (10 min prep + 7 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 Herbs?
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 Herbs?
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 Herbs 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 Herbs?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My family loved it. The cod was perfectly seared and the sauce was divine.
- ★★★★★
This was the perfect weeknight dinner! The lemon and herbs really brightened up the cod.
- ★★★★☆
Cooked it as directed but it took longer than expected to get a good sear. Still tasty though.
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