This pecan crusted cod recipe is one of my favorite was to prepare fish. Cod filets are lightly coated in chopped pecans and sauteed in butter. It’s is also low-carb, gluten free and keto friendly, which makes it not only delicious, but healthy as well. Best yet? It’s ready in under 20 minutes.
I think most people shy away from cooking at home because they think it takes too much time, or that it’s easier to pop into a fast-food restaurant for a quick meal.
I sort of look at it the opposite way. By the time you’ve figured out where you want to go…Italian, Asian or Mexican, driven there, waited for a table, waited for the food…you’re looking at an hour, yes? (This post was originally published on May 1st, 2012 and has been updated to contain nutritional information. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn commission on qualifying purchases.)
This is a meal that takes less than 20 minutes to make. The recipe is adapted from a Cooking Light recipe from about 15 years ago. I switched the hazelnuts for pecans, and the halibut for cod, because cod is a lot cheaper than halibut. The ingredients are simple and clean, and it will take you longer to make a side dish! to make and the veggies, not much more.
How to prepare pecan crusted cod
Figure on 4 to 6 ounces per person. This recipe is for 2, but it can easily be doubled.
Pat the cod dry. Season with kosher salt and pepper.
Brush one side of the cod filet with a lightly beaten egg white.
Gently press the finely chopped pecans on one side of the cod. Fry the cod, nut side down for about 2-3 minutes. I prefer a cast iron pan like this one.
Using a large spatula and carefully flip fish over. Continue cooking an additional 3-4 minutes depending on thickness. Serve with lemon wedges.
Looking for more cod recipes?
In Italy, cod is salted to preserve it. This recipe for baccala is reminiscent of fish and chips, and is traditionally served during Lent. Deep Fried, Battered Cod, Baccala.
Take a trip South of the Border with these Baja style Beer Battered Fish Tacos. Ole!
This Black Garlic, Sesame & Shitake Cod is another recipe that’s ready in under 20 minutes.
Crunchy Baked Cod with Red Pesto is another delicious cod recipe that’s ready in under 45 minutes!
Boston Baked Cod is a traditional New England dish.
For something completely different, how about Alaskan Cod Fettuccine?
I hope you enjoy this selection of cod recipes!
Pecan Crusted Cod Filets
Ingredients
- 10 ounces cod or other firm-fleshed fish about 4-6 oz. per person
- 1 egg white lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup pecans finely ground
- kosher salt
- black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoons olive oil or avocado oil
Instructions
- Pat fish dry. Season both sides fish with salt and pepper
- Brush tops of filets with egg white and press pecans on to the top of the fish filets.
- Melt butter and oil in a non-stick or cast-iron pan over a medium heat.
- Cook fish, nut side down, for about 2-3 minutes, (depending on thickness of fish). Turn and continue cooking until fish is done, about 2-4 minutes, depending on thickness of fish.
- Serve with lemon halves.
Shawn @ I Wash...You Dry says
I totally agree with you, going out to eat takes more time than cooking at home. I personally think that’s why Americans are so over weight. But that’s another issue… This fish looks great! I love a quick fish meal! I have never cooked Cod before, I will have to try this one! Thanks!
Cynthia says
Shawn, you are right! Most Americans are overweight because they resort to fast food, thinking it’s faster. In the end, fast food isn’t very satisfying…it’s just fuel, and poor fuel at that! And then there’s the expense! Thanks for visiting!
Shelly says
Tried this ……was a hit with all.. definitely a keeper. Egg white and nuts make a great crust and another great way to cook fish..heart healthy recipe+++next time with add some sort of spice for change of flavors also flavored mustards work good too…got to try…
Martha says
Just fixed this. I used lemon pepper spice. It was great! Will def do it again.
Cynthia says
That sounds wonderful!
Dan "Jay" Reyes says
Looks good! I can definitely try this fish recipe.
Cynthia says
It’s super easy as well Dan. Healthy too!
Heather says
I can’t wait to make this! Cod is one of the few fishes that I absolutely love!
Catherine says
The pecan crust is a wonderful idea! This looks absolutely delicious, Cynthia and I cannot wait to give it a go!
Cynthia says
It’s so easy too Catherine!
Yeah Lifestyle says
Friday is our fish day so would love to try your recipe on one of those days as we do enjoy eating nuts and Cod fish and it sounds like a great combination
Cynthia says
We’re eating a lot more fish right now, so I’m always interested in new ways to prepare it!
Melissa cushing says
I actually have some delicious fresh cod on its way to me. This is the perfect recipe to try as it is one I have not yet had the pleasure of trying or cooking and would love to. My husband will love this recipe too.
Cynthia says
I hope you enjoy it!
Marysa says
This sounds like a great combination of flavors, and the texture of the pecan with the cod.
Cynthia says
Thank you!
Knashz says
Pecan crusted cod sounds really good! I’d love to try some right about now.
tina says
I love cod – this pecan crust is delicious!
Cynthia says
Thank you tina!
Yang says
The cod is so flavourful and easy to make! Love the pecan crust.
Cynthia says
thank you Yang!
ChihYu says
Delicious flaky fish and that yummy pecan crust! So good!
mimi rippee says
You’re right! Fish dishes are typically easy, cause you want to taste the fish! You don’t want to smother it with ingredients that smother the fish, although salmons holds up to stronger flavors. Anyway, fabulous recipe! Toasted pecans are perfect for this.
Cynthia says
Thank you Mimi!
Stacey Crawford says
This is perfect for all the leftover pecans from baking that I never know what to do with. I’m also trying to get the family to eat more fish. Thanks for the recipe 🙂
Cynthia says
This is a great way to get your family to eat more fish!
Donny says
I’ve been looking for a recipe exactly like this. Thanks!
Cynthia says
I hope you enjoy it! Thanks!
Nicole from Fitful Focus says
This looks awesome, and so much better than breaded fish. Adding all this to my grocery list!
Cynthia says
definitely better than a breaded fish as far as carbs go.
Deborah Brooks says
I have started to eat more fish and I am always looking for more ideas on how to prepare it. Looks easy and tasty
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says
I was looking for a nice and easy new fish recipe and this is it! What a delightful way to eat cod. This really came out lovely.
Cynthia says
Glad you like it! thank you!
Erin says
Oh my goodness!!! Pecan crusted anything I’m in! I’ve had a hard time finding a good cod recipe that I actually enjoy (I’m not a big fish person) so I am so happy to have found this one!
Cynthia says
This is a delicious way to dress up fish! Enjoy!
Leslie says
I can’t think of a better way to enjoy cod! This is such an easy, yet elegant dish. So perfect for any occasion!
Cynthia says
so easy and quick too!
Holly says
This sounds so nutty delicious. Cod is perhaps my favorite fish and I love the idea of pecan coating. This would be a perfect elegant dinner for a special occasion.
Cynthia says
It definitely has an elegance about it, yet easy enough for a weeknight meal.
Sandy says
My family loved this easy dish
Cynthia says
Thank you Sandy!
Leesa Matier says
This was absolutely delicious and so unbelievably quick and easy. My kids loved the caramel flavours of the Pecan with the fish. ❤️
Cynthia says
So nice to hear that the kids loved it too!
Cindy says
I don’t know what’s going on with these 5 star ratings, it’s ridiculous and deceiving. Over half these 5 star ratings are just people saying it looks good or they’re going to try it. So, just saying it looks good gives it a 5 star rating?
Cynthia says
I’m sorry you didn’t like the recipe. Can you tell me what went wrong and maybe I can help you troubleshoot?