Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon Butter and Garlic Spinach

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

Tender cod fillets pan-seared to golden perfection, served over garlicky sautéed spinach finished with a bright lemon butter sauce. This Mediterranean-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 22 minutes, pairs 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. 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: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 cod fillets dry and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper each.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add the cod fillets to the skillet and cook without moving for 4 minutes until the edges turn opaque and the bottom is golden.
  4. Step 4: Carefully flip the fillets and cook for another 3 minutes until cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Remove cod from pan and keep warm.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves to the skillet, cooking for 1 minute until garlic is fragrant and butter foams.
  6. Step 6: Add 6 cups fresh spinach leaves and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted and tender, seasoning with remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  7. Step 7: Stir in 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice to the spinach and garlic butter sauce.
  8. Step 8: Plate the spinach topped with cod fillets and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon Butter and Garlic Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Butter and Garlic Spinach?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

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

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.

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