ADVERTISEMENT
**Fried Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce: A Restaurant-Quality Dish You Can Make at Home**
### Why You’ll Love This Fried Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce
– **Crispy and Tender**: The cod fillets are perfectly fried to golden-brown perfection—crispy on the outside, flaky and tender on the inside.
– **Flavorful and Zesty**: The lemon butter sauce brings a fresh, tangy brightness that pairs beautifully with the mild, delicate flavor of the cod.
– **Easy and Quick**: Despite tasting like a gourmet meal, this dish is simple to prepare and can be on your table in about 30 minutes.
– **Impressive Presentation**: The golden cod fillets topped with luscious lemon butter sauce will look just as beautiful as it tastes. Perfect for impressing dinner guests or treating yourself to a special meal.
To make this dish, you’ll need a few key ingredients that combine to create a simple yet irresistible meal. The crispy cod fillets are enhanced by the rich and tangy lemon butter sauce, elevating the overall flavor.
#### For the Fried Cod:
– **4 cod fillets** (about 6 ounces each, skinless and boneless)
– **1/2 cup all-purpose flour**
– **1/2 teaspoon salt**
– **1/4 teaspoon black pepper**
– **1/2 teaspoon paprika** (optional, for color and subtle smokiness)
– **1/2 teaspoon garlic powder** (for an extra layer of flavor)
– **1/2 cup buttermilk** (or regular milk for a lighter option)
– **Vegetable oil** (for frying)
### Step-by-Step Guide to Making Fried Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce
#### Step 2: Season and Coat the Fish
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. In another shallow dish, pour the buttermilk (or regular milk).
#### Step 3: Fry the Cod
In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping a small bit of the flour mixture into the oil—it should sizzle), carefully add the coated cod fillets to the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
Use tongs to flip the fish gently, ensuring the fillets cook evenly. Once the fish is crispy and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F or 63°C), remove the fillets from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Add the fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the butter, and stir to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for another minute, letting the flavors meld together. If desired, you can also add a pinch of lemon zest for extra citrusy brightness.