A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

Yield: 4 servings. 2 pounds or 4 (8-ounce) fillets fresh cod 4 teaspoons smoked paprika 2 teaspoons garlic powder 2 teaspoons onion powder 1 teaspoon celery salt 1 teaspoon kosher

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

Yield: 4 servings. 2 pounds or 4 (8-ounce) fillets fresh cod 4 teaspoons smoked paprika 2 teaspoons garlic powder 2 teaspoons onion powder 1 teaspoon celery salt 1 teaspoon kosher

Skillet-Fried Cod With Tartar Sauce

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Yield: 4 servings.

2 pounds or 4 (8-ounce) fillets fresh cod
4 teaspoons smoked paprika
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon celery salt
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons lemon pepper
6 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 lemon wedges (for garnish)

Lay fish on cutting board and pat dry with a paper towel.

In a shallow bowl, whisk together paprika, onion and garlic powders, celery salt, kosher salt, and lemon pepper. Press both sides of fillets into seasoning mix and set aside on a plate.

To a large skillet over medium heat, add vegetable oil. Once oil is hot, carefully place fish into pan. Cook for 2 minutes, then use a fish spatula to flip fillets. Cook another 2 to 3 minutes or until fish forms a light brown crust. Drain fried fish on a cooling rack over a baking sheet and serve hot. Garnish with fresh lemon.

For the Tartar Sauce:
1 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons dill pickle cubes or relish
1 teaspoon hot sauce
¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

Add all ingredients to a bowl and stir until well incorporated. Refrigerate until ready to serve.



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This story was published on Mar 17, 2026

Lynn Wells

Lynn Wells gained a fond respect and interest in cooking from her mother and Aunt Addie at the age of 8 in North Carolina. During college, Wells worked in a wide range of restaurants, from fine dining to family- owned. After graduating from UNC Greensboro with a degree in nutrition management and hospitality, Wells began a 21-year career in the nutrition department at Cone Health. In 2014, Wells started Thyme Well Spent Personal Chef Service, an in-home cooking experience for private clients, which continues today. Wells is also a food writer, food stylist, culinary consultant, and the recipe developer/writer for Our State.