Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon-Dill Beurre Blanc
Tender cod fillets pan-seared until golden, served with a silky lemon-dill beurre blanc sauce that brightens the delicate fish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs fillets, about 6 oz each cod fillets, salt, black pepper 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 fillets, about 6 oz each cod fillets
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 tbsp, divided unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp minced shallots
- 1/3 cup dry white wine
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 4 cod fillets dry and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Add cod fillets skin-side down and cook for 4 minutes without moving until the edges are crispy and golden. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
- Step 3: Remove cod and keep warm. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tbsp minced shallots, cooking for 1 minute until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in 1/3 cup dry white wine and simmer until reduced by half, about 3 minutes.
- Step 5: Lower heat to medium-low, whisk in 4 tbsp unsalted butter one tablespoon at a time until sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Step 6: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill. Pour sauce over cod fillets and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon-Dill Beurre Blanc take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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-Dill Beurre Blanc?
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 salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon-Dill Beurre Blanc?
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-Dill Beurre Blanc 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-Dill Beurre Blanc?
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.
