Description
This Pan-Seared Cod dish features tender, flaky cod fillets nestled in a rich and flavorful white wine tomato basil sauce. It’s a light, healthy, and restaurant-quality meal that comes together in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the cod:
- 4 cod fillets (6 oz/170 g each)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup (240 ml) dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1 can (14 oz/400 g) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup (30 g) fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Cod:
- Season the fish:
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Sear the fish:
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cod fillets and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cod from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- Sauté the aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add the olive oil and sauté the garlic and onion over medium heat until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Deglaze with wine:
- Pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add tomatoes and broth:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar (if needed), and chicken or vegetable broth. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add basil and season:
- Stir in the chopped basil and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine and Serve:
- Return cod to the skillet:
- Place the seared cod fillets back into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Let the fish simmer gently in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh basil if desired. Pair with crusty bread, rice, or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- Substitute cod with another firm white fish like haddock, halibut, or sea bass.
- Use fresh cherry tomatoes instead of canned for a fresher flavor.
- For a dairy-free option, omit the butter when searing the cod.