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Irresistible Pan-Seared Cod Recipe with Brown Butter and Capers

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A quick and flavorful pan-seared cod recipe featuring crispy skin, nutty brown butter, and tangy capers. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 skin-on cod fillets, about 6 oz (170 g) each
  • 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons/30 ml)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice and minced garlic. Set aside.
  3. Heat a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  4. Place cod fillets skin-side down in the pan. Press gently with a spatula for 10 seconds to prevent curling. Cook for 4-5 minutes until skin is golden and crisp.
  5. Flip the fillets and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork. Avoid moving the fillets too much.
  6. In a separate small pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it foams and turns a rich golden brown with a nutty aroma, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat immediately.
  7. Stir capers into the browned butter and warm for about 1 minute.
  8. Transfer cod to serving plates, skin-side up. Drizzle the brown butter and caper sauce over the fish.
  9. Spoon the lemon-garlic mixture around the fish and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Patting the cod dry thoroughly and preheating the skillet well are key to achieving crispy skin and preventing sticking. Watch the butter closely while browning to avoid burning; remove from heat once it smells nutty and turns golden amber. Use flaky sea salt for finishing to add texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: pan-seared cod, brown butter, capers, quick seafood recipe, easy fish dinner, crispy cod skin

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/irresistible-pan-seared-cod-recipe-with-brown-butter-and-capers-easy-step-by-step-guide/