Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon and White Wine
A simple yet elegant seafood dish with tender cod fillets, bright lemon, and aromatic white wine sauce, ready in 25 minutes. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) cod fillets, olive oil, butter 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 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- to taste salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- for serving lemon wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 4 cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cod fillets and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 3: Remove cod and set aside. Add 2 tbsp butter and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in 1/4 cup dry white wine and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and simmer for 2 minutes until sauce reduces slightly.
- Step 5: Return cod to skillet, spooning sauce over the fish, and cook for 1 minute to reheat.
- Step 6: Sprinkle with 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon and White Wine take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 White Wine?
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 White Wine?
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 White Wine 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 White Wine?
Mediterranean 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
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious. My wife and kids couldn't stop eating it.
- ★★★★★
Absolutely loved this dish. The pan-searing was perfect, and the sauce was just right.
- ★★★★★
This recipe was a hit with my family! The lemon and white wine made the cod so fresh and flavorful.
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