Pan Fried Cod in a Citrus Basil Butter Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Pan fried cod in a citrus basil butter sauce is a light and flavorful dish that brings bright, zesty notes together with rich butter and fresh herbs. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels elegant and fresh.

Ingredients

• 2 (8 oz) white cod filets
• 2 oranges
• 1 lemon
• ½ cup olive oil (divided)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp light brown sugar
• Salt and black pepper
• Fresh basil (about ¼ cup shredded)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Lay the cod filets in a baking dish. Zest 1 orange and the lemon, then add the zest to the fish. Squeeze the juice from the orange and lemon and drizzle it over the fish. Add ¼ cup of olive oil to the baking dish and cover. Let the fish marinate for at least one hour.
2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 250°F. Heat the remaining ¼ cup of olive oil in a large, oven-safe sauté pan over medium heat.
3. Step 3: Carefully shake off the excess marinade from the fish (reserve it for the sauce) and place the cod filets in the hot pan. Season the fish with salt and black pepper. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until lightly golden.
4. Step 4: Transfer the sauté pan with the fish into the oven to keep it warm while you prepare the sauce.
5. Step 5: In a separate pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and the reserved marinade. Slice the remaining orange and squeeze the juice into the pan. Bring the sauce to a boil, then whisk continuously until it thickens and reduces by about half.
6. Step 6: Add the shredded fresh basil and the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the sauce. Whisk until the butter melts fully and the sauce is smooth.
7. Step 7: Remove the fish from the oven and spoon the thickened citrus basil butter sauce generously over the cod. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute the butter with margarine or vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
• Use wild-caught Pacific cod to support sustainable and responsible fishing practices.
• Swap the brown sugar for maple syrup or agave for a different sweetness profile.

Storage

Store leftover cod and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent the fish from drying out. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it may alter the texture of the fish and sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish in this recipe?

Yes, firm white fish like haddock, halibut, or sea bass can be used as substitutes. Adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the fish.

Is it necessary to marinate the fish for an hour?

Marinating for at least an hour allows the citrus flavors to infuse the cod, enhancing the taste. However, if you’re short on time, 30 minutes can still add good flavor.

Pan Fried Cod in a Citrus Basil Butter Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 121 reviews

Pan Fried Cod in a Citrus Basil Butter Sauce is a delicious and light seafood dish featuring tender cod filets pan-seared to perfection and served with a rich, tangy citrus butter sauce infused with fresh basil. The marinade of orange and lemon juice adds bright, zesty flavors while the brown sugar and butter balance it with a subtle sweetness. This recipe offers an elegant yet simple way to enjoy fresh cod, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fish and Marinade

• 2 (8 oz) white cod filets
• Zest of 1 orange
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 2 oranges
• Juice of 1 lemon
• ¼ cup olive oil (for marinade)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Sauce and Cooking

• ¼ cup olive oil (for cooking)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided: 2 tbsp for sauce, 1 tbsp for finishing)
• 1 tsp light brown sugar
• About ¼ cup fresh basil, shredded

Instructions

1. Marinate the Cod: Lay the cod filets in a baking dish. Zest one orange and one lemon and sprinkle the zest over the fish. Squeeze the juice from both oranges and the lemon over the fish, then add ¼ cup olive oil. Cover the dish and allow the fish to marinate for at least one hour to absorb the citrus flavors.
2. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 250°F (120°C) to prepare for keeping the fish warm later.
3. Prepare to Cook: In a large, oven-safe sauté pan, heat the remaining ¼ cup olive oil over medium heat. Remove the fish from the marinade, shaking off the excess but reserving the marinade for the sauce.
4. Pan-Fry the Cod: Place the cod filets in the hot pan and season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the fish is golden and opaque throughout.
5. Warm the Fish: Transfer the sauté pan with the cooked fish into the preheated oven to keep it warm while you make the sauce.
6. Make the Citrus Basil Butter Sauce: In a separate pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the brown sugar and reserved marinade. Slice the remaining orange and add its juice into the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then whisk continuously until the sauce thickens and reduces by about half.
7. Finish the Sauce: Add about ¼ cup shredded fresh basil and the remaining tablespoon of butter to the sauce. Whisk until the butter melts and is fully incorporated.
8. Serve: Remove the fish from the oven and spoon the thickened citrus basil butter sauce generously over each filet. Serve immediately.

Notes

• For a vegan option, substitute butter with margarine or vegan butter.
• Choose wild-caught Pacific cod to ensure sustainable and responsible sourcing.
• Brown sugar can be replaced with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or agave syrup for a different sweetness profile.
• Make sure not to overcook the cod; it should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
• Using an oven-safe pan allows you to easily transfer from stovetop to oven for warming.

Keywords: pan fried cod, citrus basil butter sauce, cod recipe, seafood dinner, easy cod recipe, healthy fish recipe