Pan Seared Lingcod Recipe (2024)

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This Pan Seared Lingcod is lightly seasoned and then pan-seared and served with a squeeze of lemon. Serve with some sides and there you have a great meal that cooks up in minutes but presents like a restaurant-quality masterpiece! Perfect for those rainy days when you can’t get outside to grill!

Pan Seared Lingcod Recipe (1)

Pan-Seared Lingcod Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious meal for dinner tonight, my Pan Seared Ling Cod is the right option for you and your family.

This fleshy white fish is tender and flaky once it is cooked, and has a really mild flavor that everyone loves. Even if they aren’t the biggest fan of fish in general.

Lingcod is also great for fish and chips! This Panko-Breaded Lingcod is very popular, easy to make, and will have you skipping the takeout for fish and chips in the future.

Get all of our FISH RECIPES here!

Pan Seared Lingcod Recipe (2)

What is lingcod?

It isn’t cod, which surprised me.

Lingcod is a lean, saltwater fish that has a mild flavor with a hint of sweetness and a delicate, flaky texture. It is located on the West Coast of the United States from Alaska to California.

Perfect for pan searing, grilling, or deep frying, it absorbs flavors so well and you can make this popular fish in a whole host of different ways.

Lingcod isn’t typically available for purchase in stores, but you can use any firm white fish for this recipe if you don’t have any West Coast fishermen in your life.

Make sure when shopping for fish that you look for firm, clean fillets that don’t have spots or any fishy smell. Just take your time when selecting your fish and ask questions if needed. A good fishmonger is worth their weight in gold if you are a seafood lover.

Try our Walleye Recipe too!

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What kind of oil works best for pan searing?

It is totally up to you.

We used some butter and olive oil for this particular dish because we aren’t cooking at super high temperatures. For other items that might need a higher temperature, consider using oils with a higher smoke point, like avocado.

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What’s the best pan to use?

Use your favorite cast iron skillet or stainless steel are the best options to get that caramelized sear on your fillets.

Avoid non-stick for pan searing your fish, but if that’s all you have it will work, you just may not get the crispy color you’re looking for with pan searing.

Be careful though!

If you go non-non-stick make sure the pan you are using is REALLY well-seasoned. It would be better to use a non-stick pan than to use something and end up with your fish sticking to the pan.

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How to pan-sear fish

First, you will want to rinse your fish with cold water, pat it dry with a paper towel, and then season lightly.

Heat your butter/oil over medium heat. The temperature of the butter should reach around 300-325° degrees, for this recipe. Butter has a smoke point of just 350, meaning it will burn at temperatures beyond that, so don’t get it too hot!

Place your fillets gently into hot, melted butter, and allow to cook for about 4 minutes per side, or until your fish flakes easily with a fork.

Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe

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What should you serve with this fish?

There are many foods that would work really well with fish. Here are some options for you to choose from, with the recipes right here on my site.

Pictured with the fish in this post is our Creamy Mushroom Risotto.

Appetizers to serve with lingcod:

  1. Shrimp Ceviche (my Traeger Grilled Shrimp version of this South American appetizer)
  2. Traeger Smoked Salmon (many varieties here!)
  3. Bacon Ranch Dip served with bread, crackers, or chips
  4. Whipped Cranberry Goat Cheese

Side dishes to serve with pan-seared cod

  1. Instant Pot Wild Rice
  2. Pan-Fried Potato Wedges
  3. Smoked Potatoes
  4. Broccoli Salad
  5. One-Pot Creamy Noodles
  6. Ham and Pea Pasta Salad
  7. Loaded Smoked Baked Potatoes
  8. BLT Pasta Salad

Delicious co*cktails to Serve With Lingcod:

  • Mudslide
  • Tropical Rum Punch
  • Raspberry Prosecco co*cktail
  • Strawberry Lemon Drop

Reader Reviews

Recipe turned out perfect! Will definitely make again! Thanks so much!

– J via Pinterest

Great recipe! Substituted vegan butter for actual butter and used smoked paprika and it turned out delicious!

Christiane via Pinterest

Best fish we have ever made! Came out restaurant quality!

Victoria via Pinterest
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Yield: 4 servings

Pan Seared Lingcod Recipe (8)

Lincod that is pan seared and well-seasoned and served over rice. Fresh, flaky, tender, and delicious.

Prep Time10 minutes

Cook Time12 minutes

Total Time22 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 pieces cod filets (5-6 oz ea.)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme
  • 3 cloves garlic

Pan Sauce

  • 1 large lemon
  • 1 teaspoon chopped Italian parsley

Instructions

  1. Dry the fish with paper towels, and season with the salt, black pepper, onion powder, and paprika.
  2. Place the butter and olive oil in the pan over medium heat and let the butter melt and the oil heat up.
  3. Place the fish down in the pan along with the thyme and garlic, and let cook for 4-5 minutes, until it develops a golden-brown crust. Don't mess with it!
  4. Flip the fish and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, until the other side is browned. The middle of the fish should be 145°. Make sure the garlic doesn't scorch.
  5. Remove the fish from the pan, tent with foil, and set aside.
  6. In the same pan, add in the juice from the lemon to deglaze the pan. Spoon the remaining sauce over the fish before serving.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:Calories: 112Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 322mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 10g

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Nicole Johnson

Website

Nicole Johnson, a self-taught expert in grilling and outdoor cooking, launched Or Whatever You Do in 2010. Her blog, renowned for its comprehensive and creative outdoor cooking recipes, has garnered a vast audience of millions. Nicole's hands-on experience and passion for grilling shine through her work. Her husband, Jeremiah Johnson, also plays a pivotal role in recipe development, adding his culinary flair to the mix. Together, they form a dynamic duo, offering a rich and varied outdoor cooking experience to their followers.

Pan Seared Lingcod Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What's the best way to cook ling fish? ›

Blanch in a pot of boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and soak in a bowl of iced water to stop them cooking. Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-low heat. Cook pink ling on both sides until cooked through.

Do you flip fish when pan searing? ›

Lay fillets carefully into the hot oil. Cook the fish 2/3 of the way through. Once fish is 2/3 of the way through cooking time, flip and continue cooking until done. Check fish to see if it is cooked through.

What temperature should Lingcod be cooked at? ›

Season your Lingcod with Cajun Spice, or with salt and pepper, on both sides. Moisten your fish with oil, then place it on your grill or broiler. Cook your fish for 2-3 minutes. Continue to turn and cook the fish until it's done, with a temperature of about 140 degrees F.

How do you know when ling is cooked? ›

The best way to tell if your fish is done is by testing it with a fork at an angle, at the thickest point, and twist gently. The fish will flake easily when it's done and it will lose its translucent or raw appearance. A good rule of thumb is to cook the fish to an internal temperature of 140-145 degrees.

What is the tastiest way to cook fish? ›

Best Cooking Methods for Fish
  1. Broil. Broiling is a bit like grilling. ...
  2. Grill. Grilling fish is a summertime favorite. ...
  3. Pan Fry. Pan frying fish is a great way to get a crispy skin or crust on your fish without completely submerging your fish in oil. ...
  4. Deep Fry. Fish frys have been around forever. ...
  5. Sous Vide. ...
  6. Poach. ...
  7. Microwave.

What is the best oil for pan searing fish? ›

Best Oil to Fry Fish. Thanks to its neutral flavor, affordable price, and high smoke point, canola oil is the most popular oil for frying fish. Peanut, cottonseed, and coconut oil are also great fish frying oils. Keep reading to discover the benefits of each oil you can use to fry fish.

What is the best oil for pan searing? ›

The Best Oil for Searing

Since the pan's heat is likely between 400-450°F (205-232°C), you want heavy hitters here. Refined neutral oils like canola, soy, vegetable, and peanut are classic go-tos, but extra virgin olive oil and avocado oil are less refined and perform just as well.

What does Lingcod taste like compared to cod? ›

Lingcod FAQ

It's very comparable to halibut and cod - almost subtly balanced between the two. It's mild flavor lends itself well to a variety of recipes. What does lingcod taste like? Lingcod is a lean, white fish, with a mild flavor profile similar to halibut or cod.

Why is my cod rubbery? ›

Overcooked fish loses its natural moisture, which can result in a dry and chewy texture. The proteins in the fish also begin to tighten, which can make the fish tough and rubbery. In addition, overcooked fish can have a severe lack of flavor, as the heat causes the natural oils in the fish to evaporate.

What is the difference between pan frying and searing? ›

In all three, the idea is to cook food using relatively high heat with a little fat. Searing crisps fish skin and gives a pork chop and other animal proteins a deep layer of flavor in a short amount of time. Pan-frying relies on a little more fat and lower heat to brown food that may need a longer cooking time.

How do you get a good sear in a pan? ›

The Keys to Successful Pan-Searing

Use a larger pan or cook in batches to ensure a browned crust forms quickly without overcooking. Use a high-heat oil: Make sure to use a stable, high-heat oil to prevent excess smoking (some smoking is okay!).

Which fish is best pan-seared? ›

When it comes to searing fish with the skin on, snapper, flounder, grouper, salmon and bass are great options, while tuna, halibut, swordfish and monkfish are best cooked with the skin off. However, you can ask your local Heinen's fishmonger to remove the skin from any fish to make your cooking process effortless.

Is ling a good eating fish? ›

The common ling, or white ling, is a delicious fish and a member of the codfish family. Although it is relatively unknown and not widely used in everyday cooking, it has an excellent firm and textured meat with a pleasantly strong taste. Ling is firm, tender and moist, with great texture and large flakes.

What does Lingcod taste like? ›

What does lingcod taste like? Lingcod is a lean, white fish, with a mild flavor profile similar to halibut or cod. Its flesh holds a medium-firm texture with large flakes. The raw flesh can on occasion have a blue-green shimmer, but it will disappear wen cooked.

What is the best method of cooking shell fish? ›

Deep-frying, immersing food in in hot oil is popular in many cultures for preparing all types of fish and shellfish including shrimp, oysters, clams, and scallops.

Is Lingcod or halibut better? ›

It is known for being versatile and pairs well with various seasonings and sauces. Halibut's subtle flavor makes it a popular choice for those who prefer a milder taste in seafood. Cod has a mild and slightly stronger flavor compared to halibut. In addition, its texture is firm and flaky.

References

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