🍋 Pan-Fried Cod in Citrus Basil Butter Sauce
Introduction
Bright, buttery, and bursting with citrus flavor, this Pan-Fried Cod in Citrus Basil Butter Sauce is a refreshing change of pace from heavier fish dishes. With orange, lemon, and fresh basil at the forefront, it’s a light and elegant meal that’s simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests.
The cod is pan-fried to golden perfection and then bathed in a sweet-savory butter sauce that reduces into a silky glaze. Serve it with a crisp salad or a light starch for a show-stopping seafood experience.
💖 Why I Love This Recipe
Cod is one of the most forgiving white fish to cook—it flakes beautifully and has a clean, mild flavor that acts as a canvas for bold sauces. This citrus basil sauce delivers in every way: tangy, fragrant, and just a touch sweet. It balances the richness of the butter with the brightness of fresh fruit and herbs.
Plus, the technique is easy: quick pan-fry, then reduce your sauce. That’s it!
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 cod fillets (about 8 oz each)
- 2 oranges (1 for zest and juice, 1 for slicing and sauce)
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- ½ cup olive oil (divided)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
- 1 tsp light brown sugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh basil, shredded
🔄 Ingredient Swaps and Notes
- Butter Substitute: Use margarine or vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
- Fish Choice: Choose wild-caught Pacific cod for sustainability; halibut or haddock work too.
- Sweetener: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup or agave nectar for a refined sugar-free version.
- Zest Tip: Zest citrus before juicing—it’s nearly impossible after.
⏱ Recipe Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinate Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Calories: ~370 kcal per serving
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Cod
- Place cod fillets in a shallow baking dish.
- Zest 1 orange and the lemon, then sprinkle over the fish.
- Squeeze the juice of both fruits over the fillets.
- Drizzle with ¼ cup olive oil, then cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
2. Sear the Fish
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C)—this will keep your cod warm while you finish the sauce.
- Heat the remaining ¼ cup olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Lightly shake excess marinade off the fish and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear cod for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and opaque.
- Transfer pan to the oven to keep warm.
3. Make the Citrus Basil Sauce
- In a clean pan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Add the brown sugar and pour in the leftover marinade.
- Slice the second orange and squeeze in its juice.
- Bring to a low boil and reduce by half, whisking occasionally.
- Add the shredded basil and the final 1 tbsp of butter, whisking until silky.
4. Serve
- Remove fish from the oven and plate it.
- Spoon the warm citrus basil sauce generously over each filet.
- Serve with additional orange slices and a fresh basil garnish if desired.
🔥 Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the marinade—it deeply infuses the cod with bright citrus flavor.
- Cook over medium heat to avoid burning the butter or drying the fish.
- Reduce the sauce until it coats the back of a spoon—it should be glossy and pourable, not runny.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This dish pairs wonderfully with:
- Light couscous or lemony quinoa
- Roasted asparagus or grilled zucchini
- Crusty baguette to soak up the sauce
- A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with citrus slices
- For a summery drink pairing, try Blueberry Lemonade
🧊 Storage and Leftovers
- Storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as citrus sauces may separate upon thawing.
📚 More Recipes You Will Love
- This Blueberry Lemonade
- A Light Tangy Chicken Salad
- These Caramel Apple Nachos
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas
- This Dorito Casserole
🧾 Final Thoughts
This Pan-Fried Cod in Citrus Basil Butter Sauce is a fast track to a bright and beautiful seafood dinner. With minimal effort, you get a zesty, herbaceous, buttery dish that feels gourmet but comes together in under 40 minutes. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, this one’s a keeper.
Did you make it? Leave a comment or tag @chefmaniac on social media—we’d love to see your creations! For more vibrant, easy meals, be sure to follow Jason Griffith and the ChefManiac kitchen.
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