Pan-Seared North Atlantic Cod with Citrus Beurre Blanc

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

Flaky pan-seared cod from the northern Atlantic served with a rich, tangy citrus beurre blanc sauce perfect for a refined dinner. This french-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, divided unsalted butter 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 French cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 4 cod fillets evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until melted and shimmering. Add the cod fillets and sear for 4 minutes on the first side without moving, until golden and opaque halfway up.
  3. Step 3: Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 3 minutes until cooked through and flaky. Remove the cod from the skillet and keep warm.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 1 tbsp unsalted butter and 2 finely minced shallots. Sauté shallots for 2 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine, 3 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 tbsp orange juice. Simmer gently for 5 minutes until reduced by half.
  6. Step 6: Whisk in 2 tbsp heavy cream and gradually add remaining 3 tbsp unsalted butter, one tablespoon at a time, whisking constantly until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
  7. Step 7: Stir in 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, then spoon the beurre blanc sauce over the cod fillets before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared North Atlantic Cod with Citrus 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 North Atlantic Cod with Citrus 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 North Atlantic Cod with Citrus 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 North Atlantic Cod with Citrus 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 North Atlantic Cod with Citrus Beurre Blanc?

French 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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