Crispy Pan-Fried Cod in Zesty Citrus Basil Butter Sauce Recipe

Seafood lovers swoon over this delectable pan fried cod that dances with vibrant citrus basil butter sauce.

The delicate white fish sizzles to golden perfection in a hot skillet, releasing tantalizing aromas.

Bright citrus notes mingle with fresh basil, creating a harmonious burst of flavor that brightens any dinner plate.

Each tender flake of cod promises a luxurious dining experience that feels both elegant and comfortably approachable.

The silky butter sauce adds a rich, velvety dimension that complements the fish’s natural sweetness.

Quick to prepare and stunning to serve, this recipe turns an ordinary meal into a restaurant-worthy celebration of oceanic delights.

Get ready to savor every memorable bite of this culinary masterpiece.

Ingredients Breakdown for Pan Fried Cod in Citrus Basil Butter Sauce

• Cod Filets: Fresh, mild-flavored fish that delivers a delicate, flaky texture perfect for pan-frying with a golden crispy exterior.

• Oranges, Lemon: Bright, zesty fruits adding vibrant freshness and tangy notes to balance the rich butter sauce.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor boosters that highlight the cod's natural taste and create depth.
• Light Brown Sugar: Subtle sweetener that caramelizes slightly and rounds out the citrus's sharp edges.

• Fresh Basil: Herbaceous, peppery green leaves that infuse the sauce with a fragrant, summery essence.

• Olive Oil, Unsalted Butter: Rich cooking fats that provide smooth, luxurious cooking environment and contribute to sauce's creamy texture, with olive oil ensuring even heat distribution and butter adding luxurious flavor.

Tools You’ll Need for Citrus Basil Butter Cod

• Large Oven-Safe Sauté Pan: Essential for cooking and keeping the fish warm.
• Whisk: Perfect for smoothly blending and thickening the citrus sauce.
• Zester or Grater: Needed to zest the orange and lemon for intense citrus flavor.
• Sharp Knife: Used for slicing oranges and chopping fresh basil.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Critical for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.

Cooking Method for Citrus Basil Cod

• Citrus Preparation

Gather fresh orange and lemon for zesting and juicing. Create a bright marinade by extracting aromatic citrus essences that will enhance the delicate cod flavor.

• Fish Seasoning

Gently place cod in a shallow dish. Sprinkle citrus zest across the surface, allowing natural oils to penetrate the fish. Drizzle fresh citrus juice to tenderize and infuse subtle tangy notes.

• Marination Process

Allow cod to rest and absorb citrus flavors for approximately one hour. This quiet resting period develops depth and complexity in the fish’s profile.

• Searing Technique

Heat a skillet with smooth olive oil movements. Carefully introduce cod to the pan, creating a golden exterior while maintaining a tender interior. Season with delicate salt and pepper touches.

• Sauce Creation

Craft a luxurious butter sauce by combining reduced citrus juices and fresh basil. Swirl butter until achieving a silky, glossy consistency that coats the fish with elegance.

• Plating Experience

Transfer cod to serving plates with graceful motions. Cascade the vibrant sauce over the fish, garnishing with delicate basil leaves to provide a final aromatic flourish.

Culinary Notes

Select fresh, high-quality cod for optimal results. Watch cooking time carefully to preserve the fish’s delicate texture. Allow sauce to reach perfect thickness before final presentation.

Citrus Tips & Adjustments for Pan Fried Cod

• Citrus Flavor Boost: Experiment with different citrus fruits like grapefruit or lime to create unique flavor profiles that complement the delicate cod perfectly.
• Herb Alternatives: Swap basil with fresh parsley, dill, or cilantro to match your taste preferences or what's growing in your garden, creating a personalized touch to the dish.
• Pan-Searing Secret: Pat the cod filets completely dry before cooking to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and creates an irresistible texture.
• Wine Pairing Trick: Add a splash of dry white wine to the sauce for extra depth and complexity, elevating the overall flavor of the citrus butter sauce with a subtle sophistication.
• Storage Smart Tip: Store any leftover cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days, gently reheating to preserve its delicate texture and prevent drying out.

Presenting Pan Fried Cod with Citrus Basil Sauce

• Citrus Zest Paradise: Sprinkle extra orange and lemon zest over the plated fish to enhance the bright, fresh flavors and add a vibrant visual appeal.
• Herbal Companion Plate: Serve alongside a light mixed green salad with fresh basil leaves and a simple citrus vinaigrette to complement the delicate cod and zesty sauce.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Choose a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that matches the citrusy and herbal notes of the dish, creating a harmonious dining experience.
• Elegant Plating Technique: Use a white ceramic plate to showcase the golden-brown cod and drizzle the glossy citrus basil butter sauce around the fish for a restaurant-quality presentation.

Planning and Storage Guide for Pan Fried Cod Dish

• Smart Storage Solutions
• Cool Down Quickly: Transfer leftover cod to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Refrigeration Zone: Store fish in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically the back shelf, and consume within 1-2 days for optimal taste and texture.
• Freezing Strategy: Wrap individual cod portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen fish stays good for up to 3 months without losing flavor quality.
• Sauce Separation Tip: Keep citrus basil butter sauce in a separate sealed container from the fish to prevent sogginess and maintain crisp fish texture when reheating.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 1 hour

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 532 kcal

Servings: 3

Zesty Pan Fried Cod

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• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Cod fillets bathe in a zesty citrus basil butter sauce, creating a Mediterranean-inspired seafood delight. Elegant yet simple, this dish promises restaurant-quality flavors you can effortlessly craft at home.

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Ingredients

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• 2 (8 oz/226 g) cod filets, white
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• ½ cup (120 mL) olive oil
• 2 oranges
• 1 lemon
• 1 tsp light brown sugar
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh basil

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Instructions

1. Marinate: Lay cod filets in a shallow dish, grate orange and lemon zest directly over fish, drench with freshly squeezed citrus juices, and drizzle olive oil. Cover and refrigerate for one hour to enhance flavor absorption.
2. Prepare Skillet: Warm a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Remove filets from marinade, pat dry with paper towels, and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Sear Fish: Slide filets into hot pan, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until edges turn golden and center becomes translucent. Transfer skillet to preheated oven to maintain warmth.
4. Create Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt butter until frothy. Pour reserved marinade into butter, stirring continuously. Squeeze additional orange juice, allowing liquid to reduce and thicken.
5. Finish and Serve: Tear fresh basil leaves into sauce, whisk vigorously, and swirl final pat of butter for a silky finish. Retrieve cod from oven, lavish with warm sauce, garnish with basil leaves, and serve immediately.

Notes

• Marinate Strategically: Allow cod to soak in citrus bath for minimum one hour to maximize flavor penetration and tenderize the fish.
• Pat Dry Perfectly: Remove excess marinade and thoroughly dry fish with paper towels to achieve a crisp, golden exterior when searing.
• Control Cooking Heat: Use medium heat to ensure even cooking and prevent burning, listening for the ideal sizzle when fish hits the pan.
• Finish with Finesse: Create a luscious sauce by reducing marinade with butter and fresh orange juice, swirling in a final pat of butter for a glossy, rich finish.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 532
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 32 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg