Go Back
Pan fried cod fillet with citrus basil butter sauce on a plate

Pan Fried Cod with Citrus Basil Butter Sauce

Creamy, juicy, and bright with citrus, this pan fried cod is quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine American
Servings 2 servings

Equipment

  • Baking Dish
  • Sauté Pan
  • Small Pan

Ingredients
  

Ingredients

  • 2 filets White cod 8 oz each, patted dry
  • 2 pieces Oranges One for zest and juice, one for slices
  • 1 piece Lemon Zested and juiced
  • 1/2 cup Olive oil Divided (1/4 cup for marinade, 1/4 cup for frying)
  • 3 tbsp Unsalted butter Divided (2 tbsp for sauce, 1 tbsp to finish)
  • 1 tsp Light brown sugar Packed
  • 1/2 tsp Salt To taste
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper To taste, freshly ground preferred
  • 2 tbsp Fresh basil Shredded for sauce plus extra for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Place cod in a baking dish. Zest one orange and the lemon over the fish, squeeze their juice on top, and drizzle with 1/4 cup olive oil. Cover and let marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
  • Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Heat the remaining 1/4 cup olive oil in an oven-safe sauté pan over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  • Remove cod from marinade (reserve the marinade), season both sides with salt and pepper, and carefully place filets in the hot pan. Pan-fry over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until a golden crust forms. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven to keep the fish warm while you make the sauce (about 5 minutes).
  • In another small pan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add 1 tsp light brown sugar, the reserved marinade, and the juice from the remaining orange slices. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the sauce reduces by about half and slightly thickens (about 4-6 minutes).
  • Stir in shredded basil and the remaining 1 tbsp butter until melted and the sauce is glossy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
  • Remove cod from the oven, spoon the citrus basil butter sauce generously over each filet, and garnish with fresh basil leaves and orange slices.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a 300°F oven.
Keyword Easy