Pan Fried Cod

This pan fried cod is the best white fish you’ll have! Flavored simply with spices and olive oil, it’s healthy, stunning and irresistible all at once.

Here’s a deliciously easy dinner idea that’s full of surprises: pan fried cod! This white fish knocked us off of our feet. Really! Cod is a beautifully mild and buttery-flavored fish, and this preparation couldn’t be easier or more stunning. Coat it in paprika and a few other spices, then pan fry it until tender and juicy. It takes under 10 minutes to get restaurant-quality flavor! Serve it with the pan juices drizzled over the top and well…we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by this one, too. More with cod? Try 15 Cod Recipes Everyone Will Love.

Ingredients for pan fried cod

There are only a handful of simple ingredients needed for this recipe. I’ll be honest: I wasn’t expecting much when Alex made this recipe for me. But wow, does it deliver on Mediterranean-style flavor. “Fried cod” isn’t the sexiest sounding dinner…until you taste it and realize that cod is totally underrated! This recipe has no flour, breading or batter: just spices! The ingredients for pan fried cod are:

• Cod fillets (wild caught if possible)
• Olive oil
• Butter (or more olive oil, for dairy-free)
• Spices: smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, celery seed
• Lemon juice
• Salt

What does cod taste like?

Here’s the thing. Cod has a mild, pure flavor that’s not “fishy” at all. In fact, it’s even more mild than popular fish like salmon. Because of its approachable flavor, cod is a great starter fish for people who don’t think they like fish. It’s extremely versatile and works in lots of different preparations, like Fish Tacos or Grilled Cod.

Tips for how to make pan fried cod

Pan fried cod can seem intimidating if you’ve never pan fried a fish before. But don’t worry: it takes less than 10 minutes and is seriously easy to make. Here are a few tips to know:

• Use your largest skillet. This gives enough space for 4 fillets. You can use cast-iron, stainless steel or non-stick for this recipe.
• A combination of olive oil and butter adds flavor. Pan frying with both types of fat adds depth. (For dairy-free you can use all olive oil.)
• Cover with the magic seasoning blend. More on this below.
• Pan fry 2 minutes, then flip and fry 2 more. You’ll know when it’s done when it starts to flake when you prick it with a fork.

The best seasoning for fried cod

There’s no flour or batter in this recipe: just a blend of spices to bring out the beautiful flavor. Here are a few notes on the seasoning blend:

• Spice blend: The spices are a blend that’s based on our Magic Seafood Seasoning blend, but simplified.
• Smoked paprika is the key! This Spanish version of paprika brings a bright red color and a hint of smokiness into each bite. When you buy a jar, you can use it up with these Best Smoked Paprika Recipes. If you can’t find it, you can use standard paprika: but smoked is much better.

More seasoning variations

Want to mix up the seasonings a bit? Here are a few ideas for other seasoning blends that would work:

• Cajun Cod: Try it with 1 to 2 tablespoons of this spicy homemade Cajun seasoning (then cut the kosher salt down to ¾ teaspoon).
• Blackened Cod: Sprinkle on 1 to 2 tablespoons Blackened seasoning, a more mild blend that still preserves the Cajun flavor. Also cut the salt back to ¾ teaspoon.

Vary the white fish

It might go without saying, but you can vary the cod in this recipe! This preparation works with most types of white fish. Try it with fillets of tilapia, mahi mahi, grouper, catfish, or snapper.

Sides to serve with pan fried cod

Not sure what to serve with this pan fried cod? Turn it into a healthy dinner by adding a few sides. Because it’s a Mediterranean style preparation, it’s goes with lots of different side dish ideas. Here are some we’d recommend:

• Roasted Broccoli: Try Parmesan Broccoli or Epic Roasted Broccoli. Or even elegant Roasted Broccolini or Broccolini Salad.
• Mixed vegetables: Ultimate Sauteed Vegetables are colorful and easy: a total treat!
• Asparagus: This Baked Asparagus with Parmesan or Roasted Asparagus with Lemon pair nicely.
• Potatoes: Try it with Baked Potato Wedges or Parmesan Potato Wedges, a Baked Potato, or even Dill Potato Salad.
• Salad: Crisp salads like Celery Salad with Apples, Fennel Orange Salad or Arugula Beet Salad would work well.

This pan fried cod recipe is…

Pescatarian and gluten-free. For dairy free, use olive oil (see below).

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More Mediterranean diet recipes

This pan fried cod is a great example of a Mediterranean diet recipe. This healthy diet focuses on lots of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats like olive oil, and fish and seafood. Here are some more great recipes with a Mediterranean diet theme:

• Mediterranean Couscous Bowls A fast weeknight dinner! It features quick-cooking couscous with chickpeas and a creamy tahini sauce.
• Easy Oven Baked Salmon or Salmon with Capers Two fantastic ways to cook salmon! Top it with capers and garlic butter, or lemon and herbs.
• Best Damn Lentil Soup Let’s just say that everyone we’ve served it to immediately asks for the recipe…and seconds.