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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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