Description
Skillet Cod with Brown Butter Sauce is a refined yet approachable seafood dish that brings out the natural sweetness of cod using a classic stovetop technique. The fish is gently pan seared until tender and flaky, then finished with a nutty brown butter sauce layered with shallots, garlic, tomatoes, and fresh parsley. This recipe delivers rich flavor with minimal ingredients and works beautifully for both weeknight dinners and elegant meals at home.
Ingredients
Two six ounce skinless cod fillets
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
One tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Four tablespoons unsalted butter divided
One medium shallot thinly sliced
One garlic clove thinly sliced
Two tablespoons Eden Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
One cup mixed cherry and grape tomatoes halved
Two teaspoons fresh parsley finely chopped
Instructions
1. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides lightly with salt and pepper then keep them close to the stove
2. Warm a large heatproof plate under hot water dry it well and set it aside to keep the fish warm later
3. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and add the olive oil with one tablespoon of butter
4. When the butter melts and the foam settles gently place the cod fillets in the skillet and let them cook without moving
5. Allow the fish to sear until lightly golden and opaque along the edges then carefully flip and cook the other side until just done
6. Transfer the cod to the warm plate and cover loosely so it stays tender while resting
7. Return the skillet to the heat and add the remaining butter swirling until melted
8. Cook the butter while stirring and scraping the pan until it turns deep golden with a nutty aroma
9. Add the sliced shallot and cook until softened then add the garlic and stir until fragrant
10. Add the tomatoes and cook gently until they soften and release their juices into the sauce
11. Stir in the apple cider vinegar and let the sauce come together briefly off the heat
12. Place the cod on a serving platter spoon the brown butter sauce over the fish and finish with fresh parsley before serving
Notes
Drying the cod thoroughly before cooking is essential for proper browning
Using unsalted butter allows better control over seasoning in the sauce
Watch the butter closely as it browns quickly and can burn if left unattended
The cod will continue cooking slightly while resting so remove it from the skillet just before it is fully opaque
Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American