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Crispy Pan-Seared Cod Recipe with Easy Zesty Lemon Caper Brown Butter

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A quick and easy pan-seared cod recipe featuring crispy skin and a zesty lemon caper brown butter sauce that delivers bold flavor and satisfying texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cod fillets, skin-on, about 6-8 ounces (170-225g) each, fresh or thawed from frozen
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (15g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (60g)
  • Juice of 1 medium lemon (about 2 tablespoons / 30ml)
  • 2 tablespoons capers (30g), drained
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the cod fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels, especially the skin side. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. (5 minutes)
  2. Place the flour in a shallow dish. Lightly coat each fillet in flour, shaking off the excess. (2 minutes)
  3. Heat the olive oil in a nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. (3 minutes)
  4. Place the fillets skin-side down in the hot pan. Press gently with a spatula to keep the skin flat. Cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until the skin is deep golden brown and releases easily from the pan. Flip carefully and cook the flesh side for another 2-3 minutes until opaque and flaky. (7-8 minutes)
  5. While the fish cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Swirl occasionally until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and capers. (5 minutes)
  6. Transfer the cooked cod to serving plates. Spoon the lemon caper brown butter sauce generously over the fillets. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if using. (2 minutes)

Notes

Patting the cod dry is essential for crispy skin. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Watch the butter closely when browning to avoid burning. Use a thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C) for perfectly cooked cod. For gluten-free, substitute flour with almond or chickpea flour. For dairy-free, replace butter with vegan butter or olive oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: cod recipe, pan-seared cod, lemon caper sauce, brown butter, quick fish recipe, crispy fish skin, easy seafood

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/crispy-pan-seared-cod-recipe-with-easy-zesty-lemon-caper-brown-butter/