Crispy Skin Panfried Cod with Lemonherb Butter Sauce

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wondered how to get that restaurant quality crispy skin cod recipe at home? This pan-fried fish recipe is your answer! The lemon herb butter sauce for fish takes it to the next level.

Trust me, it's easier than you think!

Brief Overview

Sole meunière inspired this quick easy pan-fried fish recipe . It's a simple weeknight meal that feels fancy. This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes.

It makes two servings. Sharing is optional!

Main Benefits

pan-fried cod is packed with protein. Plus, it's perfect for a light yet satisfying dinner. What makes this recipe special is how simple it is.

Anyone can make pan-fried fish !

Time to get cooking, don't you think? But first, let's get those ingredients sorted. We'll need some lovely cod fillets.

And, of course, all the goodies for our killer lemon herb butter sauce for fish . I think its the best fish for pan frying recipe, but pan-fried halibut recipe , or pan-fried sea bass would work fine, too.

Honestly, one of the biggest hurdles for me was finding the right fish spatula . Seriously, it makes all the difference when you need to flip those delicate fillets.

You know? Don't go trying to use a regular spatula, or you'll end up with a right mess.

Getting that crispy skin cod recipe just right depends on a hot pan. The right tool saves you a lot of headaches while you learn how to pan fry fish perfectly .

You got to get the heat just right. You don't want to burn the butter, but you also want a golden brown sear.

Ingredients & Equipment: Your pan-fried Fish Arsenal

So, you wanna know how to pan fry fish perfectly ? It all starts with having the right gear, my friend.

And good news, it’s super simple! Forget fancy chef tools, we're keeping it real.

Main Ingredients: From Sea to Sizzle

Okay, let's talk fish! For the crispy skin cod recipe of your dreams, here's what you'll need, precisely:

• Cod Fillets: 2 fillets, about 6-8 ounces / 170-225g each. Aim for thicker, skin-on pieces. Fresh is best, but frozen, thawed cod works in a pinch! The key is quality. Look for firm, bright white flesh. If it smells too "fishy", skip it.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon / 15ml . Extra virgin or regular is fine.
• Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons / 30g (for the fish) + 4 tablespoons / 57g (for the sauce). Good quality butter makes all the difference in that luscious lemon herb butter sauce for fish.
• All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup / 30g . This is for dusting. Season it generously with salt and pepper!
• Seasoning: Salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don't be shy! Seasoning is your friend.

The lemon herb butter sauce for fish is where the magic happens:

• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Fresh is a must!
• Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed. None of that bottled stuff, alright?
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons , chopped.
• Fresh Chives: 1 tablespoon , chopped.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A tiny pinch (optional). If you like a little heat.

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Fireworks

Honestly, the salt and pepper are non-negotiable. But don't be afraid to play! A pinch of garlic powder in the flour adds depth.

For the sauce, experiment with other herbs like dill or tarragon. Red pepper flakes give it a subtle kick. If you're missing lemon, a splash of white wine vinegar does a fair job in an emergency.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

You don't need a whole kitchen to create an easy pan-fried fish recipe . Here's the bare minimum:

• Large Non-Stick Skillet: Crucial for the pan-fried cod , pan-fried sea bass and even a pan-fried halibut recipe . If you have a cast iron skillet, even better! It holds heat like a champ.
• Fish Spatula: This will be your best friend. A thin, flexible fish spatula is key to flipping the fish without mangling it. A regular spatula will do in a pinch.
• Small Saucepan: For that dreamy sauce.
• Paper Towels: Essential for drying the fish (crispy skin secret!).
• Meat Thermometer: (Optional) It will guarantee the fish is properly cooked. Aim for 145° F/ 63° C .

Right then, now that the prep's done, ready to get frying with our guide on how to pan fry fish perfectly ? Let's get cooking!

Let's Get This Fish Frying!

Alright, mate! Fancy a bit of restaurant worthy grub without the fuss? Let's nail pan-fried fish . We're talking crispy skin cod recipe good, infused with a lemon herb butter sauce for fish that'll knock your socks off.

Honestly, even if you're a bit of a kitchen newbie, this recipe will make you feel like a top chef.

Let me share my secrets on how to pan fry fish perfectly. Trust me, pan-fried cod doesn’t have to be intimidating.

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

This is a classic easy pan-fried fish recipe , so preparation is key. First, get your 2 (6-8 ounce / 170-225g) skin-on cod fillets .

Pat them completely dry with paper towels. This is essential for getting that super crispy skin . Then, score the skin lightly this helps the fat render evenly.

Next, grab your 1/4 cup / 30g all-purpose flour and season it generously with salt and pepper. Get everything else measured out: 1 tablespoon / 15ml olive oil , 2 tablespoons / 30g unsalted butter , and your sauce ingredients.

Have your fish spatula ready. Safety wise, make sure your hob is clean to avoid accidents and keep a fire extinguisher nearby just in case of a grease fire.

Aceing the frying process

1. Flour Power: Dredge the skin side of your cod in the seasoned flour. Tap off any excess.
2. Sear Time: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium high heat. You want it shimmering, not smoking!
3. Skin Down: Place the cod skin side down. Press gently with your spatula for the first minute.
4. Crisp it Up: Reduce the heat to medium. Cook skin side down for 6- 8 minutes , until golden brown and crispy. Don't move it. Let it do its thing!
5. Flip it Good: Gently flip the fillets.
6. Finish Cooking: Cook for another 2- 4 minutes , until the internal temperature reaches 145° F/ 63° C .
7. Sauce Boss: While the fish cooks, whip up your lemon herb butter sauce for fish . Melt 4 tablespoons / 57g unsalted butter in a small pan. Add 2 cloves garlic, minced , and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice , 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley , 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives , and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional). Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 1 minute.

Pro Tips for Epic Fish

If you are making this recipe to get some delicious pan-fried halibut recipe , the steps are the same.

Use a fish spatula a regular one just won't cut it for turning delicate fish. I’ve learned this the hard way.

Don't overcrowd the pan; it'll lower the temperature and you won't get that crispiness. A common mistake is fidgeting with the fish.

Just let it sear! As a variation, try using pan-fried sea bass .

Honestly, nothing beats a perfectly pan-fried fish ! And this crispy skin cod recipe ? It’s a game changer. Try it tonight, and let me know what you think!

Recipe Notes

Alright, let’s dive deeper into this crispy skin cod recipe . This isn't just some random thrown together meal. It's all about finesse and a little bit of love.

Seriously, with my tips, you'll be whipping up pan-fried fish like a pro in no time. And trust me, once you nail this, you'll be experimenting with all sorts of easy pan-fried fish recipe variations.

You will love it.

How to Serve It: Plating and Presentation

Presentation matters, you know? For a fancy touch, plate the pan-fried cod atop a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.

Drizzle that gorgeous lemon herb butter sauce for fish all over. Honestly, a sprinkle of fresh parsley makes a world of difference.

On the side, some steamed asparagus gives it that extra oomph! If you are looking to impress, you have to try.

What to Serve with It

Side dishes can make or break a meal, right? For a simple yet elegant pairing, go with a green salad and lemon vinaigrette.

Want something heartier? Roasted potatoes are your friend. And for drinks? A crisp white wine complements the pan-fried halibut recipe beautifully.

I've even paired it with a local craft beer.

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

Listen up, leftover fish can be tricky. Pop that pan-fried sea bass in an airtight container and into the fridge.

It will be good for up to 2 days. Freezing isn't ideal but, if you have to, wrap it well.

To reheat, gently pan-fry it again or use a low oven. Honestly, try to eat it fresh.

Easy Variations: Spice It Up

Fancy a change? Add some cayenne to the flour for a spicy kick. Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs in the butter sauce.

Thyme, dill, or even tarragon work wonders. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour. Or, if you're watching your dairy intake, use olive oil instead of butter.

Basic Nutritional Info: Goodness in Every Bite

Each serving of this pan-fried fish packs roughly 450 calories. Plus, you're getting a whopping 40g of protein! Healthy fats are present thanks to the butter and olive oil.

Keep in mind, these are just estimates, of course. But, hey, you're eating delicious pan-fried fish AND getting nutrients.

I think this is what most people look for when they search for " best fish for pan frying " or how to make sole meunière at home .

So, there you have it. All the extra bits and bobs. Remember, the key to how to pan fry fish perfectly is patience and a good fish spatula .

Now get in the kitchen and have some fun! You've got this. With this method, even the most skeptical will be impressed and searching where you learned to cook pan-fried fish .