Pan-Seared Cod with Mushy Peas and Minted Butter
Classic British pan-seared cod served with a vibrant mushy pea side and a fresh minted butter sauce for a simple yet elegant meal. This british-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs about 6 oz each cod fillets, frozen peas, divided unsalted 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 pieces, about 6 oz each cod fillets
- 2 cups frozen peas
- 6 tbsp, divided unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 2 cups frozen peas and 2 tbsp of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until peas are tender. Use a potato masher or fork to crush peas roughly, leaving some texture, then stir in half of the chopped mint leaves (about 2 tbsp). Season with 1/2 tsp salt and set aside, keeping warm.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Pat dry 4 cod fillets and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: When oil is shimmering, add cod fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving until the skin is crisp. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, melt remaining 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in remaining mint leaves and 1 tbsp lemon juice, warming gently until fragrant.
- Step 5: Serve the pan-seared cod on a bed of mushy peas with minted butter drizzled over the top for a bright finishing touch.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Cod with Mushy Peas and Minted Butter 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 Mushy Peas and Minted Butter?
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 about 6 oz each cod fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Cod with Mushy Peas and Minted Butter?
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 Mushy Peas and Minted Butter 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 Mushy Peas and Minted Butter?
British 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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