Tender, flaky pan-seared cod cooked in butter with garlic, paprika, and fresh lemon juice. This simple skillet fish recipe comes together in about 10 minutes and delivers bright flavor with a beautiful golden crust.

Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light elegant meal. My family favorite fish meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in 10–12 minutes
• Made with simple ingredients
• Beautiful golden crust
• Light and fresh lemon-butter flavor
• Perfect for quick weeknight meals

Ingredients for Easy One Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon Butter

• 2 cod fillets (170–200 g / 6–7 oz each)
• 1 tsp paprika (smoked paprika recommended)
• salt and black pepper to taste
• 1–2 tbsp flour (optional, for a light crust)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2–3 tbsp chopped parsley or dill
• pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional garnish

• lemon slices
• cherry tomatoes

Kitchen Tools

• large skillet
• fish spatula or thin spatula
• paper towels

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How to Make Pan-Seared Cod

1. Prepare the fish

Pat the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels. Removing moisture helps create a golden crust.

Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.

For extra texture, lightly dredge the fillets in flour and shake off the excess.

2. Heat the skillet

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.

3. Sear the cod

Place cod in the skillet and cook 3–4 minutes without moving it.

Once a golden crust forms, gently flip the fish and cook another 2–3 minutes.

The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.

4. Make the lemon butter sauce

Lower heat to medium.

Add butter and minced garlic to the pan and cook 20–30 seconds until fragrant.

Add fresh lemon juice and spoon the sauce over the fish for about 30 seconds.

5. Finish

Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley or dill.

Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Side dish ideas:

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Tips for the Best Cod

• Dry the fish well
• Moisture prevents browning.
• Do not move the fish too early
• This allows the crust to form.
• Use medium-high heat
• Too low heat prevents proper searing.
• Add butter after flipping
• This prevents the butter from burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

Fish options

You can substitute cod with:

• halibut
• haddock
• sea bass
• tilapia

Herbs

• Parsley, dill, or chives all work well.

Butter substitute

• Olive oil or ghee.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat.

Presentation Tip

For a restaurant-style look:

• garnish with fresh herbs
• add lemon slices
• sprinkle a little paprika over the plate
• serve with colorful vegetables.