Zesty Pan Fried Cod in Citrus Basil Butter Sauce Recipe

Succulent pan fried cod dances with bright, zesty flavors in this elegant seafood preparation.

Delicate white fish reimagines into a culinary masterpiece when kissed by a vibrant citrus butter sauce.

Crisp edges and tender flesh promise a remarkable dining experience that elevates home cooking.

Fragrant basil weaves its aromatic magic through each delectable bite, creating complex layers of taste.

Mediterranean-inspired techniques merge with simple ingredients to produce a restaurant-quality dish anyone can master.

Fresh, high-quality fish becomes the star of this sophisticated yet approachable recipe.

Rich, velvety sauce complements the mild cod with tangy and herbaceous notes that sing on your palate.

What Makes Pan Fried Cod in Citrus Basil Sauce So Fresh

• Burst of Citrusy Freshness: Tangy orange and lemon zest dance across the delicate cod, creating a bright, refreshing flavor profile that wakes up your taste buds.
• Herb-Infused Elegance: Fragrant basil weaves through the butter sauce, adding a sophisticated herbal note that elevates the entire dish from simple to gourmet.
• Perfectly Balanced Cooking Method: Gentle pan-frying followed by a low-temperature oven finish ensures the cod remains incredibly moist and tender, with a delicate golden exterior that seals in all the juicy flavors.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Hero: From marination to plate, this recipe comes together in under an hour, making it an ideal solution for busy home cooks craving a restaurant-quality meal without complex techniques.

Everything That Goes Into Citrus Basil Cod Perfection

• Cod Filets: Mild white fish that pairs beautifully with citrus, look for fresh or high-quality frozen filets with firm, glossy texture.
• Salt: Essential seasoning to enhance fish's natural flavor, use sea salt or kosher salt for best results.

• Oranges, Lemon: Bright, fresh citrus fruits providing tangy acidity and aromatic zest, choose ripe, heavy fruits with smooth skin.

• Olive Oil: Rich, smooth cooking fat for searing fish and creating sauce base, select extra virgin for deeper flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, silky sauce texture and adds luxurious depth, European-style butter has higher butterfat content.
• Light Brown Sugar: Balances citrus acidity with subtle sweetness, helps create rounded flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity, freshly ground provides more intense flavor.
• Fresh Basil: Aromatic herb that brings bright, herbaceous note to the sauce, choose vibrant green leaves without wilting.

Pan Frying Cod in Citrus Basil Butter Like a Pro

Step 1: Prepare the Cod for Marinating

• Gather fresh cod filets
• Place filets in a shallow baking dish
• Zest one orange and one lemon
• Sprinkle zest directly over the fish
• Squeeze fresh orange and lemon juice
• Drizzle citrus juices generously over the filets
• Pour olive oil across the fish
• Cover the dish
• Let fish marinate for 60-90 minutes in the refrigerator

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare Cooking Station

• Set oven to 250°F
• Select a large oven-safe sauté pan
• Remove fish from marinade
• Gently pat fish dry with paper towels
• Reserve marinade liquid for sauce

Step 3: Sear the Cod

• Heat remaining olive oil in sauté pan
• Season fish with salt and black pepper
• Place filets carefully into hot pan
• Cook 3-4 minutes on first side
• Flip fish
• Cook additional 3-4 minutes until golden
• Transfer pan to preheated oven

Step 4: Create Citrus Basil Butter Sauce

• Heat butter in separate saucepan
• Add sugar and reserved marinade
• Pour in fresh orange juice
• Bring mixture to rolling boil
• Whisk continuously
• Reduce sauce by half
• Shred fresh basil leaves
• Stir in basil and final butter pat
• Whisk until sauce becomes smooth

Step 5: Plate and Serve

• Remove cod from oven
• Transfer filets to serving plates
• Spoon warm sauce generously over fish
• Garnish with fresh basil leaves
• Serve immediately while hot

Tips for Flaky Cod and Bright Citrus Basil Sauce

• Maximize Marinade Magic: Let the cod soak in citrus juices for at least one hour to infuse deep, vibrant flavors that will elevate the entire dish.
• Master Perfect Fish Texture: Watch the cooking time closely, removing the cod from heat the moment it flakes easily to prevent dryness and maintain its delicate, tender structure.
• Control Sauce Thickness: Whisk and reduce the sauce patiently until it reaches a glossy, slightly thickened consistency that clings beautifully to the fish.
• Select Fresh Ingredients: Choose bright, firm cod filets and fresh basil leaves to guarantee the most intense and authentic flavor profile.
• Temperature Precision: Use a medium heat setting when pan-frying to achieve a golden exterior while keeping the fish's interior moist and succulent.

Keeping Pan Fried Cod Fresh and Flavorful

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled cod and sauce into an airtight container, keeping them separate. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and prevent soggy texture.
• Reheat Gently: Warm fish in a 275°F oven for 8-10 minutes, covering with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Separately heat sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to restore original consistency.
• Serve Quickly: Consume reheated fish immediately after warming to enjoy the best flavor and texture. Avoid multiple reheating cycles that can degrade the delicate cod's quality.

Perfect Pairings for Cod in Citrus Basil Butter

• Zesty Wine Companion: Pair this citrusy cod with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These light white wines complement the bright, fresh flavors of the orange and lemon marinade, enhancing the delicate fish without overpowering it.
• Herbaceous Side Kick: Serve with a light arugula salad dressed in a simple lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens will echo the basil notes in the sauce and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich butter sauce.
• Crusty Bread Bonus: Grab a rustic sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the incredible citrus basil butter sauce. The bread's tangy, slightly chewy texture will perfectly capture every last drop of the flavorful liquid.
• Smooth Finish Drink: Enjoy a chilled citrus-infused sparkling water or a light wheat beer. These beverages will cleanse the palate between bites and highlight the delicate flavors of the pan-fried cod.

Delicious Variations of Pan Fried Cod in Basil Sauce

• Herb-Crusted Cod Variation: Coat the cod filets with a mixture of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley before pan-frying. The herbs create a crispy, flavorful crust that complements the citrusy sauce.
• Spicy Citrus Cod Twist: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the marinade for a kick of heat. The spiciness balances beautifully with the bright citrus and buttery sauce, creating a more complex flavor profile.
• Mediterranean-Style Cod Upgrade: Incorporate chopped kalamata olives and capers into the sauce. These briny ingredients add depth and a Mediterranean flair to the classic citrus butter sauce, transforming the dish with bold Mediterranean notes.
• Coconut Lime Cod Option: Replace orange and lemon with lime juice and zest, and add a splash of coconut milk to the sauce. This variation brings a tropical touch to the recipe, creating a lighter, more exotic version of the original dish.

Pan Fried Cod in Citrus Basil Butter Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Zesty pan-fried cod dances with bright citrus and aromatic basil, creating a Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece. Delicate fish mingles with tangy butter sauce, inviting palates to savor ocean-fresh flavors that transport diners to coastal shores.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 (8 ounces/226 grams) white cod filets

Citrus Ingredients:

• 2 oranges
• 1 lemon
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon light brown sugar

Cooking and Seasoning Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh basil

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Instructions

1. Carefully arrange cod filets in a shallow dish, ensuring they lay flat without overlapping.
2. Grate citrus peels directly over the fish, releasing aromatic oils and zest from orange and lemon.
3. Drench filets with freshly squeezed citrus juices, allowing liquid to coat every surface of the seafood.
4. Generously drizzle olive oil across the fish, creating a flavorful marinade bath. Cover and refrigerate for minimum one hour to enhance flavor absorption.
5. Warm a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat, preparing for precise cooking.
6. Gently remove filets from marinade, letting excess liquid drip away. Pat fish dry with paper towels to ensure crisp searing.
7. Season cod with delicate sprinkles of salt and freshly cracked pepper on both sides.
8. Slide filets into hot pan, listening for that satisfying sizzle indicating perfect temperature.
9. Cook fish approximately 3-4 minutes per side until edges turn golden and center becomes translucent.
10. Transfer skillet to preheated oven to maintain warmth and tenderness.
11. In a separate saucepan, melt butter until it becomes frothy and golden.
12. Pour reserved marinade into butter, stirring continuously to create a rich base.
13. Squeeze additional orange juice into the mixture, allowing liquid to bubble and reduce.
14. Whisk sauce vigorously, watching it transform and thicken into a glossy consistency.
15. Tear fresh basil leaves, releasing their intense herbal fragrance directly into the sauce.
16. Swirl final pat of butter into sauce, creating a silky, lustrous finish.
17. Retrieve cod from oven and lavish with warm, aromatic sauce.
18. Garnish with delicate basil leaves and serve immediately to capture peak flavor and temperature.

Notes

• Unleash a citrusy symphony by letting cod bathe in zesty orange and lemon marinade for deep flavor infusion.
• Carefully shake off excess liquid to ensure crispy golden edges when pan-frying the delicate fish.
• Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish by whisking marinade with butter until luxuriously thick and glossy.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 640
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 32 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg