Pan-Seared Cod with Regional Michigan Cherry Glaze

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

This dish features tender pan-seared cod fillets finished with a sweet and tangy glaze made from Michigan regional tart cherries, capturing the essence of the Eastern Upper Peninsula. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 30 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: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 cod fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add cod fillets and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and opaque in the center, then transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 cup fresh pitted Michigan tart cherries, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries break down and the glaze thickens.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp unsalted butter into the glaze until melted and glossy. Return the cod fillets to the pan, spoon the cherry glaze over them, and cook for an additional 1 minute to warm through before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Cod with Regional Michigan Cherry Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Regional Michigan Cherry 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 Regional Michigan Cherry 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 Regional Michigan Cherry 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 Regional Michigan Cherry 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.

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