Pan Fried Cod in a Citrus Basil Butter Sauce
Introduction
Bright citrus, fresh herbs, and buttery richness come together in this elegant yet easy Pan Fried Cod in a Citrus Basil Butter Sauce. The cod is tender and flaky, marinated in orange and lemon, then pan-seared and topped with a zippy, herby glaze. It’s perfect for a refreshing dinner that feels elevated but takes under an hour. Serve with greens or roasted veggies for a full meal.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a big fan of meals that taste like they came from a fancy bistro but don’t require hours in the kitchen. This cod dish hits all the right notes: clean flavors, juicy fish, and a silky sauce. The brightness reminds me of summer days with a glass of blueberry lemonade. It’s a great alternative to heavier mains like turkey wings or chicken enchiladas.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Cod:
- 2 (8 oz) white cod filets
- 2 oranges
- 1 lemon
- ½ cup olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp light brown sugar
- Salt and black pepper
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- Fresh basil (about ¼ cup shredded)
Ingredient Swaps:
- Use margarine or vegan butter instead of regular butter
- Maple syrup or agave in place of brown sugar
- Try wild-caught Pacific cod for sustainability
👨🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Marinate the Cod
- Place cod filets in a baking dish.
- Zest one orange and the lemon, then sprinkle zest over the cod.
- Squeeze the juice from both fruits over the fish.
- Drizzle with ¼ cup olive oil.
- Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
2️⃣ Pan Fry the Cod
- Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Heat the remaining ¼ cup olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Remove cod from marinade, shaking off excess (reserve the marinade).
- Season both sides of cod with salt and pepper.
- Cook the cod in the skillet for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Transfer the pan to the oven to keep the fish warm.
3️⃣ Make the Citrus Basil Sauce
- In a separate pan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Add brown sugar and the reserved marinade.
- Squeeze the juice from the remaining orange into the pan.
- Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce and whisk until thickened and reduced by half.
- Add shredded basil and remaining 1 tbsp butter, whisking until smooth.
4️⃣ Serve
- Plate the cod and spoon warm citrus basil sauce over the top.
- Garnish with extra basil or a slice of orange for presentation.
⏱️ Timing & Nutrition
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Calories: ~400 kcal per serving
💡 Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the marinade—it infuses the fish with citrus flavor and helps tenderize.
- Use fresh herbs: Basil adds brightness that balances the richness of the butter.
- Pair with light sides like roasted asparagus or a simple salad.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This cod dish pairs beautifully with:
- A crisp green salad or steamed green beans
- Lemon risotto or couscous
- Refreshing sips like blueberry lemonade
- Bold sides like sheet pan quesadillas if you’re craving contrast
- Cozy up with Instant Pot lasagna for a surf-and-turf vibe
❄️ Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist
- Not ideal for freezing: The sauce may separate and fish may dry out
🍴 More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this light, flavor-packed meal, you might also like:
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
- These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays
- This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast
- These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
- This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days
🧾 Final Thoughts
This Pan Fried Cod in a Citrus Basil Butter Sauce is the kind of dish that proves you don’t need complicated ingredients to make something stunning. It’s flavorful, vibrant, and surprisingly easy to pull off—perfect for a dinner that impresses without the stress.
💬 Share Your Twist!
Tried this recipe? Tag @ChefManiac or leave a comment with your twist—extra herbs, different citrus, or how you paired it. Want a printable recipe card or Pinterest graphic? I’ve got you covered—just let me know!
