Pan-Seared North Atlantic Cod with Lemon-Dill Beurre Blanc
Delicate North Atlantic cod pan-seared to a golden crust, finished with a tangy lemon-dill beurre blanc sauce for a refined seafood plate. This french-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs kosher salt, ground white pepper, all-purpose flour 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.
Ingredients
- 4 fillets, about 6 oz each North Atlantic cod fillets
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp ground white pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tbsp, divided unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp finely minced shallots
- 1/3 cup dry white wine
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 4 North Atlantic cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp ground white pepper. Lightly dredge each fillet in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, shaking off excess.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter foams. Add cod fillets skin-side down and cook for 4 minutes without moving until golden and crisp. Flip and cook an additional 3 minutes until opaque and flaky. Transfer to a warm plate.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp minced shallots and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 1/3 cup dry white wine and simmer until reduced by half, about 3 minutes.
- Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp heavy cream. Gradually whisk in remaining 2 tbsp unsalted butter, one tablespoon at a time, until sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill. Spoon the lemon-dill beurre blanc over the cod fillets and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared North Atlantic Cod with Lemon-Dill 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 Lemon-Dill 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 kosher salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared North Atlantic Cod with Lemon-Dill 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 Lemon-Dill 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 Lemon-Dill 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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