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
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.
Heck – our Panko-breaded Lingcod even won over my fried-fish-hating best friend this week, and I’m calling that a pretty big win.

What is lingcod?
It isn’t cod, that is what it is not!
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 fish-monger is worth their weight in gold if you are a seafood lover.
Try our Walleye Recipe too!

What kind of oil should I use 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.

What kind of pan do I 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 your 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.

How do I pan sear Lingcod?
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.

What should I 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:
- Shrimp Ceviche (my Traeger Grilled Shrimp version of this South American appetizer)
- Traeger Smoked Salmon (many varieties here!)
- Bacon Ranch Dip served with bread, crackers or chips
- Whipped Cranberry Goat Cheese

Side dishes to serve with pan seared cod:
- Instant Pot Wild Rice
- Pan-Fried Potato Wedges
- Smoked Potatoes
- Broccoli Salad
- One-Pot Creamy Noodles
- Ham and Pea Pasta Salad
- Loaded Smoked Baked Potatoes
- BLT Pasta Salad

The great advantage of serving fish as the main course is the fact that it pairs well with almost any other flavors you choose to serve with it.
It can be a light, low-calorie meal, or you can go for it and serve up your favorite comfort foods alongside.
Delicious Cocktails to Serve With Lingcod:

Pan Seared Lingcod
Fish is also one of the quickest for cooking and prep time, so great for times when time is limited but you still want to serve a delicious meal at home.
I love to find time-saving recipes that are easy to prepare but are still a WAY better option than any fast food choice out there. You can’t lose here.
You’ll be saving not only time but money also, and doing something nice for yourself and your family by giving them a delicious and healthy meal.

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RW
Thursday 9th of December 2021
Wonderful and simple. I always mess up fish but your recipe was perfect. They sell this type in Costco fresh and wild. Wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
Nicole Johnson
Thursday 9th of December 2021
I'm so glad to hear that! Thank you for stopping by to let us know. Happy holidays!
Son
Thursday 25th of February 2021
But what do you do with your garlic? Leave it whole, slice it, chop it, crush it?
Nicole Johnson
Thursday 25th of February 2021
It gets cooked along with the lingcod in the pan, and rubbed on the fish while it is cooking. I'll make sure and specify in the recipe. It is really optional, but a nice addition to the dish. Even without the rubbing on the fish, the oil takes on some garlic flavor and since the fish cooks in the oil, it gets garlicky.
Dena Lock
Sunday 18th of October 2020
This is a great and easy recipe! My lingcod was a hit and was perfectly cooked!
Nicole Johnson
Monday 19th of October 2020
Thanks so much for sharing with us, Dena!
Anni
Thursday 23rd of January 2020
Tried this last night, followed the recipe exactly and it turned out just perfect. Thank you for helping me make a lovely meal! I'll be keeping my eye out for ling cod from now on!
Nicole Johnson
Friday 24th of January 2020
That is amazing! Thank you so much for sharing this feedback. Make sure to rate the recipe in the recipe card above by clicking the stars and filling in your review, if you wouldn't mind! Appreciate you!
Michele
Friday 8th of November 2019
I cooked this recipe tonight with a chop salad... I understood your recipe perfectly and we all thoroughly enjoyed it! Thanks for posting.
Nicole Johnson
Friday 8th of November 2019
Thanks so much for letting us know. We love this recipe too. <3