If you’re looking for a delicious and elegant seafood dish, this Pan Fried Cod in Citrus Basil Butter Sauce is perfect. The tangy citrus flavors combined with fresh basil create a delightful sauce that perfectly complements the tender, flaky cod. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also delivers a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
Ingredients
- 2 (8 oz) white cod filets
- 2 oranges
- 1 lemon
- ½ cup olive oil (divided)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp light brown sugar
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh basil
Directions
Step 1: Marinate the Cod
- Lay the cod filets in a baking dish.
- Zest 1 orange and the lemon, then add the zest to the fish.
- Squeeze the juice from the orange and lemon and drizzle over the top of the fish.
- Add ¼ cup of olive oil to the pan and cover. Let the fish marinate for at least one hour.
Step 2: Cook the Cod
- Preheat oven to 250°F.
- Heat the remaining ¼ cup of olive oil in a large, oven-safe sauté pan.
- Carefully shake off excess marinade from the fish and keep it on the side.
- Place the fish into the frying pan and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Place the pan into the oven to keep the fish warm while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- Melt 2 tbsp of butter in a pan, add in sugar and your leftover marinade.
- Slice the remaining orange and add the juice into the pan, then bring it to a boil.
- Whisk the sauce until it becomes thick and reduces in volume by about half.
- Add about ¼ cup of shredded basil along with the remaining 1 tbsp of butter and whisk until melted.
Step 4: Serve
- Pull the fish out of the oven and spoon the thickened sauce over the top.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil.
Cooking Tips
- Marinating Time: For best results, marinate the cod for at least one hour. This allows the flavors to infuse into the fish.
- Cooking the Cod: Be careful not to overcook the cod as it can become dry. Cook until it just flakes easily with a fork.
- Sauce Consistency: Ensure the sauce thickens to the right consistency before adding the basil and final butter. This enhances the flavor and texture of the sauce.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (includes marinating)
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Servings: 2 servings
Enjoy this delightful Pan Fried Cod in Citrus Basil Butter Sauce with a side of your favorite vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal. Bon appétit!
Pan Fried Cod in Citrus Basil Butter Sauce
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
This Pan Fried Cod in Citrus Basil Butter Sauce recipe brings a delightful fusion of bright citrus and aromatic basil to the mild, flaky texture of cod, creating a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. The blend of lemon and orange zest coupled with a tangy, buttery sauce makes for a culinary experience that balances simplicity with gourmet flair.
Ingredients
2 (8 oz) white cod filets
2 oranges
1 lemon
½ cup olive oil (divided)
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp light brown sugar
Salt and black pepper
Fresh basil
Instructions
Lay the cod filets in a baking dish.
Zest 1 orange and the lemon, then add to the fish.
Squeeze the juice from the orange and lemon and drizzle over the top of the fish.
Add ¼ cup of olive oil to the pan and cover. Let the fish marinate for at least one hour.
Preheat oven to 250°F.
Heat the remaining ¼ cup of olive oil in a large, oven-safe sauté pan.
Carefully shake off excess marinade from the fish and keep it on the side.
Pop the fish into a frying pan and season with salt and pepper.
Cook over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side.
Place the pan into the oven to keep the fish warm while you prepare the sauce.
Melt 2 tbsp of butter in a pan, add in sugar and your leftover marinade.
Slice the remaining orange and add the juice into the pan, then bring it to a boil.
Whisk the sauce until it becomes thick and reduces in volume by about half.
Add about ¼ cup of shredded basil along with the remaining 1 tbsp of butter and whisk until melted.
Pull the fish out of the oven and spoon the thickened sauce over the top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 390