Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon-Garlic Butter and Herb Salad

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

Delicate cod fillets pan-seared to flaky perfection, topped with a bright lemon-garlic butter and served alongside a fresh herb salad. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (gluten free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs 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 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: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 cod fillets and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the fillets skin-side down and cook for 4 minutes without moving until the edges are crispy.
  3. Step 3: Flip the cod and cook for another 3 minutes until opaque and flaky. Remove from pan and keep warm.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Stir continuously until garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
  5. Step 5: Remove pan from heat and stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley to make lemon-garlic butter.
  6. Step 6: In a bowl, toss 4 cups mixed salad greens with 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, and 1/2 tsp salt.
  7. Step 7: Serve cod fillets topped with lemon-garlic butter alongside the fresh herb salad.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon-Garlic Butter and Herb Salad 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-Garlic Butter and Herb Salad?

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-Garlic Butter and Herb Salad?

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-Garlic Butter and Herb Salad 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.

Is Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon-Garlic Butter and Herb Salad gluten free?

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

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