Silky Cod in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe

Seafood enthusiasts adore this delectable pan-seared cod in white wine tomato basil sauce that brings Mediterranean flavors right to your dinner table.

Fresh cod fillets dance with robust ingredients, creating a symphony of taste and texture.

A splash of crisp white wine melds perfectly with ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil, promising an elegant meal.

Delicate fish meets rich sauce in this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Each bite offers a delightful balance of bright acidity and tender protein.

The quick preparation makes this dish ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Prepare to be transported to a coastal Italian kitchen with this mouthwatering culinary creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 4

Cod with Tomato Basil Ingredient Rundown

• Cod Fillets: Fresh, flaky white fish that absorbs flavors beautifully, best selected from a reputable fishmonger with clear, glossy appearance and mild ocean scent.
• Salt: Enhances fish's natural flavor and helps create a perfect golden crust during searing.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and aromatic depth to complement the delicate cod.

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth, even heat distribution and contributes a subtle fruity undertone to the dish.
• Butter: Creates rich, golden-brown sear and adds luxurious flavor complexity to the fish.

• White Wine: Introduces bright, acidic notes that tenderize the fish and create a vibrant sauce base.
• Tomatoes: Brings fresh, tangy sweetness and rich color to the sauce, providing a classic Mediterranean touch.
• Fresh Basil: Adds bright, peppery herbaceous aroma that lifts the entire dish and provides visual and flavor freshness.

What You’ll Need to Cook Pan-Seared Cod

• Large skillet: Essential for searing cod and creating the sauce.
• Paper towels: Perfect for drying fish before seasoning.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping fish and handling ingredients carefully.
• Measuring spoons: Precise for measuring salt and pepper.
• Cutting board: Provides clean surface for preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Useful for chopping fresh basil and preparing garlic.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing sauce ingredients.

How to Sear Cod in a Wine Tomato Sauce

• Prepare the Fish

Pat cod fillets dry and sprinkle with salt and pepper, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor.

• Create a Golden Crust

Warm a blend of olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Gently place cod fillets in the pan, allowing them to transform into a gorgeous golden brown in about 3-4 minutes per side.

• Remove and Rest

Transfer the beautifully seared cod to a serving plate, letting it relax while you craft the sauce.

• Develop the Sauce

In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in white wine, letting it simmer and reduce by half. Add diced tomatoes and let them bubble gently.

• Finish with Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle chopped basil into the sauce, stirring to release its aromatic oils. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

• Plate and Serve

Nestle the golden cod back into the vibrant sauce, spooning extra liquid over the fish. Garnish with extra basil leaves for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Tips That Bring Out Bold Mediterranean Flavors

• Pat cod fillets completely dry before cooking to ensure a beautiful golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Swap white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version that still provides rich depth and complexity to the tomato basil sauce.
• Prepare the sauce in advance and reheat gently before adding fresh fish to save time during busy weeknight dinners.
• Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening the sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Replace cod with other delicate white fish like halibut, sole, or tilapia while maintaining similar cooking techniques and sauce preparation.

Serve Cod with Style and Simplicity

• Elegant Plate Presentation: Gently place the golden-brown cod fillets on a pristine white plate, allowing the vibrant white wine tomato basil sauce to pool around the fish, creating a beautiful color contrast.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Side Pairing: Serve alongside a refreshing quinoa salad with diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs to complement the delicate flavors of the cod and enhance the Mediterranean essence of the dish.
• Wine and Dining Experience: Pour a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that mirrors the wine used in the sauce, creating a harmonious flavor connection between the beverage and the meal.
• Garnish Elegance: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil leaves and a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over the fish to add a burst of freshness and an aromatic finishing touch that elevates the entire dish.

Store Cod Without Losing Moisture

• Transfer leftover cod to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Enjoy the dish within 1-2 days for optimal flavor and texture.
• Gently warm the fish in a skillet over low heat or microwave at 50% power to prevent drying. Add a splash of white wine or broth to maintain moisture and refresh the sauce.
• Wrap individual cod portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Store the tomato basil sauce separately from the fish to prevent sogginess. Keep sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for easy meal prep and quick weeknight dinners.

FAQs

• What type of cod works best for this recipe?

Fresh or frozen cod fillets work well. Ensure they are of similar thickness for even cooking, and thaw completely if using frozen cod.

• Can I substitute cod with another fish?

Yes, you can use other white fish like halibut, haddock, or sea bass. These fish have similar mild flavors and delicate textures that work perfectly with the white wine tomato sauce.

• How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?

The cod is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Overcooking can make the fish dry, so watch it carefully during searing.

• Is this recipe considered healthy?

Absolutely! Cod is a lean protein rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins. The cooking method uses minimal oil, and the tomato basil sauce adds nutritional value without excessive calories.

Elegant Pan-Seared Cod In White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent pan-seared cod swims in a delicate white wine tomato basil sauce, celebrating Mediterranean coastal cuisine. Delightful herbs and fresh ingredients combine for an elegant seafood experience you’ll savor with each flavorful bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (30 g) fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
• 4 cod fillets (6 oz/170 g each)
• 1 can (14 oz/400 g) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup (240 mL) dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup (120 mL) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Meticulously pat cod fillets dry with kitchen towels, then season comprehensively with sea salt and black pepper across both surfaces for a flavor-rich foundation.
2. Searing Foundation: Heat olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a shimmering golden surface that promises optimal caramelization for the delicate fish.
3. Fish Transformation: Introduce cod fillets into the hot pan with calculated precision, allowing each piece to develop a crisp, golden exterior without overcrowding the cooking surface, and sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to lock in natural moisture and amplify flavor profiles.
4. Culinary Flip: Gracefully turn fillets using a flexible spatula, cooking the opposite side until the fish achieves a translucent, flaky texture with uniform golden-brown coloration, signaling perfect doneness.
5. Sauce Creation: Deglaze the identical skillet with white wine, incorporating diced tomatoes, minced garlic, and fresh basil leaves, allowing the liquid to reduce and concentrate flavors while creating a vibrant, aromatic sauce that complements the perfectly seared cod.
6. Plating Finale: Elegantly transfer the golden cod fillets onto serving plates, cascading the rich white wine tomato basil sauce over the fish, garnishing with additional fresh basil leaves for a visually stunning and flavor-packed presentation.

Notes

• Moisture Removal Matters: Thoroughly pat cod fillets dry with kitchen towels to prevent steaming and ensure a crisp, golden-brown sear that locks in delicious flavors.
• Heat Control is Key: Maintain medium-high heat to create the perfect golden crust without burning the delicate fish, allowing oils to shimmer but not smoke.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Space cod fillets carefully in the pan to guarantee even cooking and maximize caramelization, preventing steaming and ensuring a restaurant-quality sear.
• Timing is Critical: Cook each side for 3-4 minutes without moving the fish, creating a beautiful golden exterior while keeping the interior tender and perfectly cooked through.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg