Pan Fried Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce

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## 🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

### Step 1: **Prep the Cod**
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. If you prefer a light crust, lightly dredge the fillets in flour and shake off the excess.

### Step 2: **Pan-Fry the Cod**
Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. When the butter is melted and the pan is hot, add the cod fillets.

Cook for about **3–4 minutes per side**, depending on thickness, until the fish is golden on the outside and flakes easily with a fork. Transfer the cooked fillets to a plate and keep warm.

### Step 3: **Make the Lemon Butter Sauce**
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant — don’t let it brown.

Add the **lemon juice** and **zest**, stir to combine, and cook for another minute. Taste and adjust with more lemon or a pinch of salt if desired.

### Step 4: **Serve**
Place the cod fillets on a plate and spoon the lemon butter sauce generously over the top. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

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## 🥗 Perfect Pairings

This dish is light, so it pairs beautifully with:
– **Steamed vegetables** like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli
– **Garlic mashed potatoes** or **buttery rice**
– A fresh **garden salad** or **couscous**
– A crisp white wine like **Sauvignon Blanc** or **Chardonnay**

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## ✅ Tips for Success

– **Don’t overcook the fish**: Cod cooks quickly and becomes dry if overdone. Remove it from the pan as soon as it flakes easily.
– **Use fresh lemon juice**: Bottled juice doesn’t deliver the same vibrant flavor.
– **Make it gluten-free**: Skip the flour dredge or use a gluten-free flour alternative.
– **Add a kick**: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce adds a subtle heat.

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## 🐟 Final Thoughts

This **Pan-Fried Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce** is proof that delicious meals don’t need to be complicated. With its crisp pan-seared crust and smooth, citrusy finish, this dish is fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s a go-to for anyone looking to cook more fish at home — and it’s elegant enough to serve at your next dinner party.

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Would you like a printable version of the recipe or more quick seafood dinner ideas?