Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon and Tarragon

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Velvety cod fillets cooked to perfection with bright lemon and aromatic tarragon, finished with a golden crust in a single skillet. This american-inspired keto (low-carb) ready in about 20 minutes pairs (6 oz each) cod fillets, butter, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter foams.
  3. Step 3: Place cod fillets skin-side down in the skillet and cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes, until skin is crisp and golden.
  4. Step 4: Flip fillets, add 1/2 lemon thinly sliced and 1 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon to the skillet.
  5. Step 5: Cook for 3–4 more minutes, until cod flakes easily with a fork and lemon is slightly softened.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon and Tarragon 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 Tarragon?

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 Tarragon?

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 Tarragon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.

Is Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon and Tarragon low-carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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