If you're looking for a delicious and easy weeknight meal, skillet cod with cilantro lime butter is a great option. This recipe is one of my favorite ways to cook cod in just minutes, and it is packed with flavor and fresh ingredients.
Cod is one of my favorite and I love finding different ways to cook it. I had some thinner fillets on hand and wanted to make a quick pan-seared cod that was satisfying and easy. It's a great way to feed the whole family a healthy meal.
Quick Overview:
- Ready in 15 minutes, start to finish.
- Pan-seared in a hot skillet for a nice sear on the fish.
- Topped with a cilantro lime butter that melts into it's own sauce.
- Each serving has 41 grams of protein and just 1 net carb.
Jump to:
Key Ingredients for Skillet Cod
Fresh cod fillets: look for a piece of fish that is firm, and has a pleasant odor.
Butter, fresh cilantro and lime: the butter, lime zest, and cilantro combine to make the topping and lime juice is to be squeezed over top of the finished dish.
Dried spices: Paprika, ground cumin, salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper add flavor to the fish, helps create a crust, and seasons the butter topping.
How to I Make It
Start by patting the cod dry with a paper towel. Combine the salt, cumin, and cayenne pepper, then coat both sides of the fish with the seasoning. Place the fish in a hot skillet coated with cooking spray and cook it for 3 minutes on each side.
While the fish cooks, mix the softened butter, cilantro, lime zest, salt, and paprika in a small bowl. Place the cooked fish on a serving platter, squeeze lime juice over the top, and serve with the cilantro lime butter.
Variations
- Swap the cod for other types of white fish, like haddock.
- Add other veggies to the pan, like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
- Swap the cilantro lime butter for other sauces or seasonings, like pistachio pesto, lemon butter sauce, or taco sauce.
Top Tips
- Pat the cod fillets with paper towels to remove any excess moisture prior to seasoning.
- Keep the skillet hot enough to get a good sear on the fish and add color.
Storage and Reheating
Freeze: cooked fish can be stored in freezer safe containers up to 3 months
Refrigerate: store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days.
Leftovers can be rewarmed in a skillet over low heat with a little extra butter to prevent sticking.
You May Be Wondering
It should cook for about 3 minutes per side. When done, the cod should be opaque and flake easily when prodded with a fork. Thick fillets will take longer to cook.
After. Squeeze the lime over the cod once it's cooked, just before serving. Lime juice added beforehand "cooks" the fish, which is great for ceviche, but not for pan-seared cod.
Yes! The cilantro lime butter melts into a sauce over the hot pan-seared cod, and it's delicious.
Mix softened butter with chopped cilantro, lime zest, and paprika. Spoon it over the hot fish and the butter melts into a flavorful sauce.
For this recipe, the pan. It cooks quickly and gives the fish a nice sear.
More Fish Recipes to Try
You will love this Air Fryer Cod recipe!
Taco Tuesday just got better when you serve these Cod Fish Tacos!
This Baked Haddock recipe is another easy and delicious fish recipe.
Air Fryer Fish Sticks are a healthier way to enjoy fish sticks!
Serve with...
Serve this skillet cod recipe with a side of air fryer asparagus or air fryer zucchini fries, or if carbs can be on the plate, a side of french fries or air fryer fingerling potatoes make a great side dish.
When you make this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and comment below to let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
📖 Recipe
Skillet Cod with Cilantro Lime Butter
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Ingredients
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 pounds cod fillet , (4-6 ounce pieces)
- cooking spray
- 1 medium lime , quartered
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter , softened
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ teaspoon lime zest
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the salt, cumin, and cayenne pepper; sprinkle over both sides of fish. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Coat pan with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking. Coat both sides of cod fillets with cooking spray and place in the hot skillet.
- Cook fish for 3 minutes over medium heat on each side or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork and internal temperature is 145℉ in the thickest part of the fish.
- While fish is cooking mix together softened butter, cilantro, lime zest, paprika, and salt in a small bowl.
- Place fish on serving platter and squeeze lime quarters over fish. Serve with cilantro lime butter.
Deb says
Really good!!! Will be making this one again for sure!
honeyb says
Thank you! It makes me so happy when someone tries a recipe and lets me know how they felt about it (good or bad!).
Anonymous says
This was so good. Even my picky toddlers enjoyed it. Thank you!
Joyti says
I'm one of those odd people to whom cilantro tastes soapy. Still, your cilantro butter sounds tasty - for those who enjoy cilantro!
From Valeries Kitchen says
We love fish but I never think to do cod. I make have to pick some up next time I'm at Costco. Looks really good!
bellini says
This sounds healthy and delicious Shelby. I hope that today love is in the air.
Aggie says
I love this Shelby! That cilantro butter sounds perfect for fish.