If you're looking to impress your dinner guests with a dish that's as elegant as it is easy to prepare, look no further than this Seared Cod with Chive Butter Sauce! This delightful seafood recipe combines perfectly seared cod fillets with a rich, velvety chive butter sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a total cooking time of 25 minutes, you can whip up this restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your culinary skills with this exquisite dish!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Seafood
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cod fillets
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cod fillets, 1/4 cup of butter, 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped chives, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season both sides of the fillets generously with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the cod fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if applicable.
- Cook the cod for about 4-5 minutes without moving it, allowing a golden crust to form. Check for doneness by gently lifting a corner of the fillet; it should release easily from the pan.
- Using a spatula, carefully flip the cod fillets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side until cooked through and flaky. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Once the cod is done, transfer the fillets to a plate and cover them loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the butter. Allow it to melt gently, scraping any bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor.
- Once the butter is melted, stir in the chopped chives and lemon juice. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional minute to warm through.
- To serve, place the seared cod fillets on plates and drizzle the chive butter sauce generously over the top.
- Garnish with additional chives if desired and serve immediately with your choice of sides, such as steamed vegetables or rice.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Cod: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh cod fillets instead of frozen. Look for fillets that are firm and have a mild, ocean-like scent.
- Pat Dry for Perfect Searing: Make sure to pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps achieve that beautiful golden crust when searing.
- Don’t Rush the Sear: Allow the cod to cook undisturbed for the first few minutes to form a nice crust. Avoid flipping it too soon, as this can cause it to break apart.
- Use a Non-Stick Skillet: A non-stick skillet can make it easier to flip the fish and prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- Temperature Check: Ensure the cod is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for perfect flakiness. A meat thermometer can help you achieve this.
- Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to experiment with the chive butter sauce by adding other herbs like dill or parsley, or a splash of white wine for added depth of flavor.
- Serve with Sides: Complement this dish with steamed vegetables or a light salad to balance the richness of the butter sauce.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of extra chopped chives or a lemon wedge can enhance the visual appeal of your dish, making it even more inviting.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 270kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 95mg
