Pan-Seared Cod with North Uxbridge Maple Glaze
A tender pan-seared cod fillet finished with a sweet and smoky maple glaze inspired by the New England region around North Uxbridge, Massachusetts. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes pairs 6 oz each cod fillets, maple syrup, Dijon mustard 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces, 6 oz each cod fillets
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- for serving lemon wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 cod fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the cod fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving until the edges are golden and crisp.
- Step 4: Flip the cod and cook the other side for 3 minutes until opaque and flaky.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme.
- Step 6: Pour the maple glaze over the cod in the last minute of cooking and spoon it over the fillets until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the fish.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Cod with North Uxbridge Maple Glaze 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 North Uxbridge Maple Glaze?
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 North Uxbridge Maple Glaze?
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 North Uxbridge Maple Glaze 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 North Uxbridge Maple Glaze?
American 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.
