Pan Fried Garlic Butter Cod is light, flaky and tender. This cod is made in a skillet and pan fried with garlic and butter until there is a crispy outer skin. Finish it off with fresh basil and pair with your favorite salad.
You guys go crazy for seafood recipes and I am right there with you.
Some of my most popular cod fish recipes happen to be this Sheet Pan Mediterranean Cod, Baked Cod with Lemon and this Air Fryer Cod.
As we enter January and try to get back on track I like to add seafood to my families menu at least once a week Today’s Pan Fried Garlic Butter Cod is a light, flaky cod recipe that mixes basil, garlic and is finished off with a butter sauce.
If you like cod you have to try this simple recipe. It really makes a healthy dinner the whole family will love. It cooks in about 10 minutes in a skillet making it an easy weeknight meal! It is one of my favorite ways to make cod.
It is a similar cooking process to this Pan Fried Fish or Black Sea Bass Recipe – you will sear the fish on a high heat to get a nice crust on the outside.
Some of my most popular cod fish recipes happen to be this Sheet Pan Mediterranean Cod, Baked Cod with Lemon and this Air Fryer Cod.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s an overview of the simple ingredients we’re using. Jump to the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and printable instructions.
- Cod: I prefer using wild-caught Alaskan cod for its fresh, clean flavor and flaky texture when cooked. However, any variety of cod will work. If using frozen cod, be sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
- Spices and Herbs: This recipe gets a subtle kick from crushed red pepper and a fresh, aromatic note from basil. Fresh basil is ideal, but dried basil can be used as a substitute.
- Parmesan Cheese: Shredded Parmesan forms a golden, crispy crust on the cod. Finely grated Parmesan works as well, but may melt more evenly rather than crisp.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the dish with bold flavor. Garlic powder is an acceptable substitute if fresh garlic isn’t available.
- Butter: Butter adds richness to the garlic-basil sauce drizzled over the fish. For a dairy-free option, use extra virgin olive oil instead.
Ways to Modify This Pan Fried Cod Recipe
- Citrus: Lemon juice or lemon zest would be a great addition alongside the garlic and butter in this recipe. You also could use lime juice.
- Spices: You can modify the spices you use. Try onion powder, cayenne red pepper, Italian seasoning, za’atar or oregano.
- Wine: White wine would be a great addition to this recipe. It pairs nicely with the butter and garlic and adds a slight sweetness to the recipe. Add it in when you add the chicken broth.
- Other Ingredients: You could also add capers, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, olives or roasted red peppers.
How to Pan Fry Cod in Butter
Step 1. Add olive oil to a shallow bowl.
Step 2. In another shallow mixing bowl mix flour, salt, ground black pepper, red pepper flakes, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons basil, and parmesan cheese.
Step 3. Dip the cod into the olive oil and then flour mixture, making sure to evenly coat both sides.
Step 4. Shake off excess flour.
Step 5. Place a skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Turn the heat down to medium heat.
Step 6. Add cod to the skillet and fry the fish on one side for 5 minutes, do not touch the cod while it cooks.
Step 7. Flip the cod and cook for another 5 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 145* degrees F.
Step 8. Remove fish from the oil and place on paper towels that are lined on plates to soak any excess oil.
Step 9. Add the 4 tablespoons of minced garlic, butter, remaining 1 tablespoon fresh basil, and chicken broth to the skillet and cook until the sauce starts to boil.
Step 10. Remove from heat and let cool for at least 2 minutes before transferring to a gravy boat or ramekin. Serve cod immediately with fresh parsley, a drizzle of the garlic basil sauce and enjoy! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Storage Tips
Store the leftover cod in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat you can slowly heat in a skillet or bake in the oven.
Recipe Tips
Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or frying pan for even heat distribution. A non-stick pan is helpful, but a well-oiled stainless steel or cast iron pan also works, just be sure to use cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Heat the skillet thoroughly before adding the cod. A hot pan ensures a crisp, golden sear on the surface of the fish.
Once the cod is in the pan, avoid moving it. Let it cook undisturbed until it naturally releases and is ready to flip. This helps keep the fillet intact and ensures even searing. Cod is fully cooked when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time will vary based on thickness. For food safety, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F.
More Seafood Recipes
Mediterranean
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Seafood
Pan Seared Greek Salmon
Seafood
Easy Blackened Tilapia Fish
Seafood
Air Fryer Tilapia
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Pan Fried Garlic Butter Cod
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 -2 pounds Cod filets
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes {optional for spice}
- 3 teaspoons dried basil or 3 Tablespoons fresh basil, chopped, divided
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 4 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Put 2 tablespoons of olive in a shallow bowl.
- In another shallow mixing bowl mix flour, salt, ground black pepper, red pepper flakes, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons basil, and parmesan cheese.
- Pat the cod dry. Dip the cod into the olive oil mixture then the flour mixture, making sure to evenly coat both sides. Shake off excess flour.
- Place a skillet over medium-hight heat and add olive oil. Turn down the heat to medium high. Add cod to the skillet and fry the fish for 5 minutes per side, or until a meat thermometer reads 145* degrees F.
- Remove fish from the oil and place on a paper towel lined plate to soak any excess oil.
- Add the 4 tablespoons of minced garlic, butter, remaining 1 tablespoons fresh basil, and chicken broth to the skillet and cook until the sauce starts to boil.
- Remove from heat and let cool for at least 2 minutes before transferring to a gravy boat or ramekin. Serve cod immediately with a drizzle of the garlic basil sauce and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
