Looking for the best ways to make pan-seared cod at home?
These 17 easy and flavorful recipes will help you master the perfect crispy crust and tender, flaky fish every time.
Pan-seared cod is one of those dishes that feels fancy but is truly simple to make. With just a few ingredients, you can create something that tastes like it came from a high-end seafood restaurant.
I still remember the first time I made it—golden crust, buttery flakes, and a zing of lemon. It was so quick and easy, I couldn’t believe how delicious it turned out.
If you’ve ever felt unsure about cooking fish at home, this guide will change that. I’ll show you how to get that perfect crispy crust and tender center every time.
From buttery lemon sauces to herby tomato toppings, these pan-seared cod recipes are full of bold flavor and fresh ingredients. Whether you’re new to seafood or a seasoned cook, there’s something here for you to love.
1. Pan Seared Cod
Pan-seared cod is made by cooking a thick, dry piece of fish in a very hot pan with a little oil until one side is golden and crisp. Then, you lower the heat, add butter, and baste the fish until it’s cooked through—no flipping needed!
Read the Recipe: Pan Seared Cod
2. Pan-Seared Cod
Make this quick and delicious Pan-Seared Cod in just 15 minutes! The crispy golden crust, tender fish, and rich garlic butter sauce make it taste like a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
Read the Recipe: Pan-Seared Cod
3. Lemon Butter Cod Recipe
This Lemon Butter Cod is a quick and flavorful dish made with tender cod fillets, a touch of seasoning, fresh lemon, and rich European-style butter. It’s pan-seared for golden color and ready in just 25 minutes for an easy, delicious seafood meal.
Read the Recipe: Lemon Butter Cod Recipe
4. Pan-Seared Cod in White Wine Tomato Sauce (with Video)
Pan-Seared Cod in White Wine Tomato Sauce is a quick, flavorful dish where golden, crispy cod fillets are cooked to tender perfection in a skillet, then topped with a rich white wine, tomato, and butter sauce. It’s an easy, satisfying recipe that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a fresh, restaurant-quality meal at home.
Read the Recipe: Pan-Seared Cod in White Wine Tomato Sauce (with Video)
5. Pan-Seared Cod in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce
Sear tender cod fillets in a hot pan until golden, then serve topped with a flavorful white wine, tomato, and basil sauce that brings bright, fresh taste to every bite. This easy dish is perfect for a quick yet delicious meal full of vibrant flavors and comfort.
Read the Recipe: Pan-Seared Cod in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce
6. Simple Pan Seared Cod Recipe 🐟
Enjoy a crispy, golden cod fillet seared to perfection and paired with a bright tomato coulis for a fresh burst of flavor. This easy recipe is perfect for anyone on a low-carb, keto, gluten-free, or paleo diet and comes together fast with just a few simple ingredients.
Read the Recipe: Simple Pan Seared Cod Recipe 🐟
7. Pan-Seared Cod Loins
Enjoy a quick and flavorful Pan-Seared Cod Loins that come out crispy on the outside and tender inside in under 20 minutes. Simply season the thick cod loins with a tasty mix of Old Bay, hot paprika, and salt, sear in hot avocado or canola oil, then finish with melted butter and lemon juice for a mouthwatering dish perfect for any seafood lover!
Read the Recipe: Pan-Seared Cod Loins
8. Lemon Butter Pan Seared Cod
Transform simple cod fillets into a flavorful dish by pan-searing them until golden brown and finishing with a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce. This quick and easy recipe is done in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for any night of the week!
Read the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pan Seared Cod
9. Pan Seared Cod [www.slenderkitchen.com]
![Pan Seared Cod [www.slenderkitchen.com]](https://www.slenderkitchen.com/sites/default/files/styles/data_share/public/recipe_images/pan-seared-cod_0.jpg)
This Pan Seared Cod recipe is a quick and healthy meal that takes less than 15 minutes to prepare, offering a restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. With a mild, adaptable flavor, the cod pairs wonderfully with a lemon garlic pan sauce, and can be served in various ways, such as with roasted veggies or as vibrant fish tacos.
Read the Recipe: Pan Seared Cod [www.slenderkitchen.com]
10. Pan Fried Cod
This easy pan-fried cod features tender fillets sizzled in butter, then topped with a lively mix of lemon juice and fresh herbs for a restaurant-worthy flavor. With no breading needed, the light and flavorful sauce shines through—perfect for beginners and seafood fans alike.
Read the Recipe: Pan Fried Cod
11. Pan-Seared Cod [www.foodfaithfitness.com]
![Pan-Seared Cod [www.foodfaithfitness.com]](https://cdn.foodfaithfitness.com/uploads/2024/06/Pan-Seared-Cod-A_FFF_Pan-Seared-Cod_Featured_2.jpg)
This easy pan-seared cod recipe uses simple ingredients like lemon, butter, salt, and pepper to create a light, flaky fish with a golden crust in just 15 minutes. It’s a healthy, low-calorie meal that’s full of flavor and perfect for anyone new to seafood.
Read the Recipe: Pan-Seared Cod [www.foodfaithfitness.com]
12. Easy Pan Fried Cod With Lemon Butter Sauce
This easy pan-fried cod with lemon butter sauce is a quick, flavorful dish that comes together in just 10 minutes and feels indulgent. Simply sear the cod fillets until golden, then drizzle with a rich lemon butter sauce for a delicious, beginner-friendly dinner.
Read the Recipe: Easy Pan Fried Cod With Lemon Butter Sauce
13. Pan-Seared Cod Recipe
This easy, healthy dish features perfectly pan-seared cod served with blanched asparagus and potatoes tossed in a bright lemon vinaigrette. Cook the fish until golden and tender, then plate with the veggie mix for a delicious meal that’s lower in sugar but full of flavor!
Read the Recipe: Pan-Seared Cod Recipe
14. Pan-Seared Alaska Cod with Lemon-Parsley Orzo
Pan-seared Alaska cod is served with a side of bright lemon-parsley orzo and topped with blistered cherry tomatoes for a fresh, flavorful meal. Just add a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of parsley to finish this simple 30-minute dish.
Read the Recipe: Pan-Seared Alaska Cod with Lemon-Parsley Orzo
15. Easy Pan Fried Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce
Whip up this super easy Pan Fried Cod topped with a bright, buttery Lemon Butter Sauce in just 15 minutes for a quick, healthy dinner. The tender, flaky fish gets a perfect crust from seasoned flour, making each bite deliciously satisfying!
Read the Recipe: Easy Pan Fried Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce
16. Buttered Cod Fish in Skillet (VIDEO)
This buttered cod fish is pan-seared in butter with simple seasonings, then finished with fresh lemon and herbs for a burst of flavor. In just 10 minutes, you’ll enjoy tender, flaky, and buttery fish that melts in your mouth, making it perfect for a quick and delicious dinner.
Read the Recipe: Buttered Cod Fish in Skillet (VIDEO)
17. Lemon Butter Cod Recipe [www.chewoutloud.com]
![Lemon Butter Cod Recipe [www.chewoutloud.com]](https://www.chewoutloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Lemon-Butter-Cod-Recipe-in-pan-0.jpg)
This Lemon Butter Cod is a quick and healthy dinner made with tender, flaky fish pan-fried to golden perfection. With a splash of lemon and a touch of butter, it’s full of flavor and ready in minutes—perfect for busy nights!
Read the Recipe: Lemon Butter Cod Recipe [www.chewoutloud.com]