How to Cook · Pan-Frying

Pan-Seared Cod

Name: Pan-Seared Cod
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cod fillets (or another mild white fish such as halibut or sole); Salt and pepper; 2 tablespoons flour (optional, for a light dredge); 2 tablespoons butter or neutral oil

Published July 8, 2026

A golden pan-seared cod fillet, flaky inside

Delicate cod fillets — or another mild white fish like halibut or sole — pan-seared gently until lightly golden and just opaque and flaky through. A light dusting of flour helps thin, fragile fillets hold together and brown, while gentle heat and a single careful flip keep them from breaking apart in the pan.

Prep: 5 min
Cook: 10 min
Total: 15 min
Yield: 2 servings
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

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Ingredients

2 cod fillets (or another mild white fish such as halibut or sole)
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons flour (optional, for a light dredge)
2 tablespoons butter or neutral oil

Directions

Prep the fillets

Pat the fillets dry and season with salt and pepper. Dredge lightly in flour if using, shaking off excess — this helps thin, delicate fillets hold together and brown evenly.

Sear gently

Heat the butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the fillets, and cook undisturbed 2–3 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden and just opaque all the way through — handle gently when flipping, cod is more fragile than salmon. Remove carefully and serve.