Cod Française is a classic French-American dish that brings together the delicate flavors of fresh cod fillets with a luscious lemon-butter sauce, all coated in a light, crispy egg batter. This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants a restaurant-quality meal at home without too much fuss.
The balance of tangy lemon, buttery richness, and tender fish makes it an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish offers a simple yet elegant solution.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through a detailed recipe for Cod Française, including tips and variations to make it your own. Plus, I’ll share some nutritional insights and serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
Let’s dive right in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cod Française recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy seafood with minimal effort. It’s:
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Deliciously balanced: The tangy lemon and buttery sauce complement the mild cod perfectly.
- Light and crispy: The egg-batter coating crisps up beautifully without being heavy or greasy.
- Versatile: Works well with various sides and can be adapted with herbs and spices.
If you love seafood or want to try a new spin on cod, this recipe is a must-try. Plus, if you’re interested in more healthy and delicious dishes, don’t miss our Black Bean Sauce Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Guide or the Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each, skinless)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor in sauce)
Equipment
- Large non-stick skillet or frying pan
- Shallow bowls for dredging
- Whisk or fork
- Tongs or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving plate
- Knife and cutting board
Instructions
- Prepare the cod fillets: Pat the cod dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using. This helps the batter stick and enhances flavor.
- Set up dredging stations: In one shallow bowl, place the flour. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth.
- Dredge the cod: Coat each fillet first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip into the egg mixture, ensuring a complete coating. Set aside on a plate.
- Heat the pan: Over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of butter mixed with 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the skillet. The oil prevents the butter from burning and helps create a golden crust.
- Cook the cod: Add the fillets carefully to the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. The fish should flake easily with a fork. Remove fillets to a warm plate.
- Make the sauce: Reduce heat to low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan. Once melted, stir in the lemon juice and Dijon mustard if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for 1-2 minutes to blend flavors.
- Coat the fish: Spoon the lemon-butter sauce over the cooked cod fillets. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy your Cod Française hot with your favorite sides.
Tips & Variations
For the crispiest coating, make sure your cod fillets are dry before dredging.
- Herb twist: Add fresh thyme or tarragon to the sauce for a more aromatic flavor.
- Spicy kick: Mix a pinch of cayenne pepper into the flour for a subtle heat.
- Gluten-free option: Use almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour.
- Butter substitute: If you want a lighter version, replace butter with extra virgin olive oil.
- Make it a meal: Serve with sautéed green beans, roasted potatoes, or a light salad.
For more healthy and flavorful seafood recipes, check out our Vegan Crab Recipe: Easy Plant-Based Seafood Alternative.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
| Cholesterol | 110 mg |
This dish is high in lean protein and offers a moderate amount of healthy fats, especially if you opt for olive oil. The lemon juice adds vitamin C, making it a nutritious choice as well.
Serving Suggestions
Cod Française pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
- Roasted asparagus or green beans: Adds a crisp, fresh contrast.
- Garlic mashed potatoes or rice pilaf: Soaks up the delicious lemon-butter sauce.
- Simple mixed greens salad: Lightens the meal and adds texture.
- Crusty French bread: Perfect for wiping up extra sauce.
For a complete meal idea, try serving this with our Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide to start your dinner or a refreshing Cold Vegetable Soup Recipe.
Conclusion
Cod Française is a timeless dish that brings together simple ingredients to create a flavorful, satisfying meal. Its quick preparation, combined with the elegance of the lemon-butter sauce and crispy coating, makes it a fantastic choice for both novice and experienced cooks.
The recipe’s versatility allows you to easily customize it to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress without the fuss.
Give this Cod Française recipe a try and enjoy a delicious taste of classic French-American cuisine in the comfort of your home. Don’t forget to explore our other delightful recipes like the Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping or the Dassana Veg Recipes: Easy and Delicious Meals to Try for more inspiration!
📖 Recipe Card: Cod Francaise
Description: A classic Italian-American dish featuring lightly battered cod in a lemon butter sauce. Perfectly crispy and tangy, served over pasta or vegetables.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Pat cod fillets dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Mix flour and Parmesan cheese in a shallow dish.
- Beat eggs in a separate bowl.
- Dip each fillet in eggs, then dredge in flour mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook cod fillets until golden and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove fillets and set aside.
- Add butter, white wine, and lemon juice to skillet; simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour sauce over cod fillets.
- Garnish with parsley and lemon slices before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 | Protein: 35g | Fat: 18g | Carbs: 10g
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