If you’re looking for a quick and delicious seafood dinner that feels fancy but comes together in no time, this Pan-Seared Cod with Garlic Butter and Parsley Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how the crispy golden crust pairs with the rich garlic butter sauce—it’s like restaurant quality right in your own kitchen. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my best tips so you nail it every time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning Fast: You can have perfectly cooked cod on the table in just around 15 minutes.
Simple Ingredients: No complicated sauces or weird ingredients, just butter, garlic, and fresh parsley.
Impressively Elegant: The crispy exterior with that buttery garlic glaze looks and tastes like a dish from a fancy restaurant.
Kid-Friendly and Versatile: My whole family goes crazy for this recipe, and you can easily switch up sides to suit any mood.

A white plate holds four pieces of cooked white fish fillets with golden brown char marks. Each piece shows flaky texture with light grill lines and is lightly sprinkled with small green parsley leaves. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a few fresh green parsley sprigs placed nearby. The light sauce around the fish adds a slight gloss to the fillets. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

When you’re choosing ingredients for this Pan-Seared Cod with Garlic Butter and Parsley Recipe, I always recommend going for the freshest cod fillets you can find for the best flavor and texture. The butter and garlic form a simple sauce that really lets the fish shine, and fresh parsley adds that bright finishing touch.

Cod filets: Make sure they’re thawed and patted completely dry to get that crispy sear.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the natural flavor of the fish.
Butter: Use unsalted so you can control the saltiness. Dividing it helps get that perfect cooking balance and sauce finish.
Garlic cloves: Fresh is best here—grated or finely minced for maximum flavor infusion.
Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on at the end to add a pop of color and freshness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Pan-Seared Cod with Garlic Butter and Parsley Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I’ve tried a few different twists over time, so feel free to experiment based on what you have or what flavors you’re craving.

Lemon Zest and Juice: Adding a little lemon zest to the garlic butter or a squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving brightens up the dish beautifully—I do this when I want it extra fresh.
Spicy Kick: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a subtle heat that my husband really enjoys.
Herb Swaps: Tried thyme or dill in place of parsley for a change of pace, and both work wonderfully.
Dairy-Free Version: I’ve replaced butter with olive oil and coconut oil for friends who avoid dairy; just watch the heat to prevent burning.

How to Make Pan-Seared Cod with Garlic Butter and Parsley Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Cod and Season Generously

Start by patting your cod fillets dry with paper towels—this step can’t be skipped if you want a great sear. Then sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper. I usually season right before cooking, so the salt doesn’t draw out moisture prematurely. Trust me, those little details make all the difference here.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Add the Cod

Heat 3 tablespoons of butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once it’s fully melted and bubbling but not browned, gently place your cod fillets in the pan. You’re looking for a nice golden crust, which usually takes about 3 minutes per side. Don’t rush to flip it—wait until it naturally releases from the pan to avoid tearing.

Step 3: Finish with Garlic Butter and Parsley

After cooking both sides, reduce the heat to medium-low, add the remaining butter and your minced garlic. Sauté everything for about a minute until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt—keep your eye here as garlic can go from fragrant to bitter fast. Then sprinkle fresh parsley over the cod, add a little more salt and pepper to taste, and you’re ready to serve.

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Pro Tips for Making Pan-Seared Cod with Garlic Butter and Parsley Recipe

Dry Fillets Thoroughly: I learned the hard way that wet fish won’t crisp up—pat your cod dry and you’ll see an instant improvement in texture.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Leave space between fillets so the heat circulates evenly; this helps you get a perfect sear on each piece.
Control Your Garlic Heat: Add the garlic last on medium-low heat to avoid burning, which can turn the sauce bitter.
Use Fresh Parsley: Fresh herbs add a bright pop that can take the dish from good to unforgettable—don’t skip this final touch.

How to Serve Pan-Seared Cod with Garlic Butter and Parsley Recipe

Four pieces of cooked white fish with a golden brown crust are arranged on a white plate. The fish fillets show slight flakiness with pepper and herbs sprinkled on top, and a light layer of yellow sauce is visible underneath and around the fillets. Small bits of green parsley are scattered over the fish and plate, adding a fresh touch. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a sprig of parsley placed beside it on the bottom left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to keep garnishes simple—extra freshly chopped parsley on top for color and freshness, plus a wedge of lemon on the side so everyone can add a little zing if they want. Sometimes I toss on a few microgreens for a delicate crunch if I’m feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

This Pan-Seared Cod with Garlic Butter and Parsley Recipe pairs perfectly with quick roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a light quinoa salad if you want to keep things healthy. I’m a huge fan of garlic sautéed spinach alongside—it complements the flavors without overpowering.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated the cod on a bed of lemon-infused couscous and drizzled extra garlic butter sauce around the edges with some edible flowers for an elegant touch. It definitely impresses guests and feels special without extra hassle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cod fillets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Be sure to cool the fish quickly to keep it fresh. Cod is delicate, so it’s best eaten sooner rather than later to maintain that flaky texture.

Freezing

Freezing cooked cod isn’t my favorite because it affects the texture, but if you have to, wrap fillets tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw slowly in the fridge to minimize moisture loss.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a small pat of butter to refresh the garlic flavor and crisp the edges again. Microwave works but can make the fish rubbery, so I avoid that if I can.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod directly without thawing?

While it’s possible, I highly recommend thawing your cod completely and patting it dry before cooking. Frozen cod has a lot of surface moisture which will steam rather than sear, and you won’t get that golden crust we’re aiming for in this recipe.
What type of pan is best for pan-searing cod?

A good nonstick skillet or a well-seasoned cast iron pan works best. A nonstick pan prevents the delicate fish from sticking and breaking apart, while cast iron retains heat well for a nice sear. Just make sure your pan is fully heated before adding the fish.
How do I know when the cod is done?

Cod is done when the flesh turns opaque and easily flakes with a fork—usually about 3 minutes per side on medium heat for average thickness fillets. Overcooking will dry it out, so keep a close eye as it finishes cooking.
Can I substitute butter with olive oil?

Yes! Using olive oil gives a different flavor and is a good dairy-free option. Just watch the heat carefully because olive oil has a lower smoke point, so cook on medium or medium-low to avoid burning the oil or garlic.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Pan-Seared Cod with Garlic Butter and Parsley Recipe is one of those meals I turn to when I want something that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. I love how it’s approachable for cooks of all levels, yet the results always impress. Give it a try—I promise you’ll come back to this one again and again, just like my family does!

Pan-Seared Cod with Garlic Butter and Parsley Recipe

4.9 from 80 reviews

Author: Nora
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and easy Pan-Seared Cod recipe featuring tender cod filets cooked to perfection in a garlic butter sauce. This dish delivers a crispy, golden crust with a rich, flavorful finish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or an elegant meal.

Ingredients

Fish

4 cod filets (thawed and pat dry)
Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking

4 tbsp butter (divided)
2 large garlic cloves
Fresh parsley for topping

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Instructions

Prepare the Cod: Pat the cod filets dry thoroughly with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy sear. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Heat the Skillet: Place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add 3 tablespoons of butter. Allow the butter to melt completely and start to foam.
Cook the Cod: Add the cod filets to the skillet carefully and cook for 3 minutes on one side without moving them, allowing a golden crust to form. Flip the cod and cook for another 3 minutes on the other side until cooked through and opaque.
Add Garlic Butter Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the crushed or minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring gently, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the cod filets with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Add additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy your rich and flavorful pan-seared cod.

Notes

This recipe takes only 15 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for easy weeknight meals.
For best results, use fresh cod filets that are well-patted dry to achieve a crispy crust.
Adjust the garlic amount to your taste preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
Serve with steamed vegetables or a light salad to keep the meal balanced and fresh.
Use fresh parsley to enhance both flavor and presentation.