So I have a lot of salmon recipes and my family decided they needed a change. And cod was that change. This recipe is easy. Looks like a lot of ingredients but trust me it’s easy and most importantly, delicious!
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- 4 good-sized cod fillets
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- Juice and zest from 1 medium lemon
- 1 tsp salt, plus extra to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Freshly chopped basil or parsley leaves, for garnish and flavor
- Extra lemon slices for serving
- Use paper towels to thoroughly pat-dry excess moisture from fish fillets – this step is crucial for fish to brown nicely in pan and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine melted butter, lemon juice and zest, and 1/2 tsp salt. Stir to combine well. Taste and add a bit more kosher salt, if desired.
- In a separate bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 tsp salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Evenly press spice mixture onto all sides of fish fillets.
- In a large, heavy pan over medium high heat, heat up the olive oil until hot.
- Once your oil is sizzling, cook 2 fish fillets at a time to avoid overcrowding (allows for even browning.)
- Cook each side just until fish becomes opaque (about 3-4 minutes), feels somewhat firm in the center, and is browned – lightly drizzle some of the lemon butter sauce as you cook, reserving the rest for serving.
- Take care not to over-cook, as that will result in a tougher texture.
- Serve fish with with remaining lemon butter sauce, basil or parsley, and lemon wedges.