Perfect Pan-Seared Cod in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe

Delightful aromas of white wine tomato basil sauce will dance around your kitchen when you pan-sear cod with precision.

Fresh Mediterranean flavors beckon from this elegant dish.

Crisp white wine adds depth to each succulent bite.

Tender cod fillets absorb complex herbal notes from ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil leaves.

Weeknight dinners deserve something special that feels restaurant-worthy without complicated techniques.

Each ingredient brings robust character to the plate.

You’ll love how quickly this recipe comes together, creating a meal that looks impressive but requires minimal effort.

Key Ingredients in This Flavorful Fish Dish

• Cod Fillets: A delicate white fish with a mild, sweet flavor that absorbs the sauce beautifully. Fresh fish is best, with a firm texture and clean ocean smell.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provide rich flavor and help create a golden-brown sear on the fish. Extra virgin olive oil adds depth, while butter contributes a creamy richness.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the cod. Freshly ground black pepper offers a more robust taste compared to pre-ground pepper.

How to Cook Pan-Seared Cod with Wine and Herbs

Step 1: Prepare Cod Fillets

• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Ensure an even coating for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Create Golden Crust

• Olive oil
• Unsalted butter

Wait until the mixture starts to shimmer and bubble. Carefully place cod fillets into the hot pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms and fish becomes opaque throughout. Transfer perfectly seared cod to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 3: Build Aromatic Sauce

• Minced garlic
• Diced shallots

• Dry white wine
• Chicken stock

Scrape bottom of pan to release delicious browned bits.

Step 4: Incorporate Fresh Ingredients

• Diced ripe tomatoes
• Fresh basil leaves
• Red pepper flakes

Simmer sauce until slightly reduced and flavors meld together.

Step 5: Reunite Fish and Sauce

Gently return cod fillets to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Allow fish to warm through for 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Transfer cod and sauce to serving plates. Sprinkle with additional fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately with crusty bread or over pasta.

Why You’ll Enjoy Pan-Seared Cod in Tomato Basil Sauce

• Create a sophisticated white wine tomato basil sauce that transforms simple cod into a gourmet experience, impressing family and guests with minimal culinary skills.
• Enjoy a nutritious meal rich in lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious individuals looking for a light yet satisfying dinner.
• Use just a few basic pantry staples to craft a delicious seafood dish that proves amazing meals don't require complicated or expensive ingredients.

Expert Tips for Juicy and Flaky Cod

• Dry for Crispiness: Thoroughly pat cod fillets with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a perfectly crispy golden-brown sear.
• Temperature Matters: Use medium-high heat when searing to achieve that beautiful caramelized exterior without overcooking the delicate fish.
• Wine Selection Tip: Choose a crisp, dry white wine like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to enhance the sauce's brightness and complement the cod's mild flavor.
• Herb Freshness Hack: Add fresh basil leaves just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and maximize aromatic intensity.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace any flour-based thickeners with cornstarch or arrowroot powder to make the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.

Reheating and Storage Guide for Pan-Seared Cod

• Store leftover cod in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 1-2 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm the fish in a skillet over low heat for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of white wine to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Skip microwave reheating to preserve the delicate texture and prevent rubbery fish.
• Ensure the cod reaches an internal temperature of 145°F when reheating for food safety and best quality.

What to Serve Alongside Cod in Tomato Sauce

• Crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio perfectly complements the delicate cod and brightens the white wine tomato sauce with their light, refreshing profiles.
• Serve alongside creamy risotto or herbed roasted potatoes to soak up the flavorful sauce and provide a rich, textural contrast to the flaky fish.
• Add a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cod and introduce a peppery, zesty element to the meal.
• Crusty sourdough or French baguette slices work wonderfully for mopping up the aromatic white wine tomato basil sauce, ensuring no delicious flavor goes to waste.

Creative Swaps for This Cod Dish

• Gluten-Free Cod: Replace regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend for coating the fish, ensuring crispy texture while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap butter with olive oil or coconut oil to create a lactose-free version that maintains rich flavor and cooking performance.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Option: Add kalamata olives and capers to the white wine sauce for an enhanced Mediterranean flavor profile, bringing more depth to the dish.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Eliminate flour coating entirely and use almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a protein-rich, low-carbohydrate preparation that keeps the dish light and nutritious.

Pan-Seared Cod In White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent pan-seared cod dances in a luscious white wine tomato basil sauce, promising Mediterranean coastal flavors. Delicate fish meets zesty sauce, creating a simple yet elegant meal that transports diners straight to Southern Italian kitchens.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cod fillets (6 ounces/170 grams each)
• 1 can (14 ounces/400 grams) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1 cup (30 grams) fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) chicken or vegetable broth

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly blot excess moisture from cod fillets using clean kitchen towels, then delicately season both surfaces with freshly ground black pepper and sea salt, ensuring an even coating.
2. Warm a generous blend of olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high flame, allowing the fat to shimmer and develop a light golden hue.
3. Gently place seasoned cod fillets into the heated pan, positioning them carefully to prevent overcrowding and promote optimal caramelization.
4. Allow fillets to sear undisturbed for approximately 3-4 minutes, developing a crisp, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and enhances flavor complexity.
5. Carefully flip the cod using a flexible spatula, cooking the reverse side with equal precision until the fish achieves a translucent, flaky interior and uniform golden coloration.
6. Transfer the perfectly seared cod to a clean serving platter, keeping the delicate protein warm while preparing the accompanying sauce.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality cod with firm, white flesh for the best texture and flavor.
• Pat cod fillets completely dry to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and crispy exterior.
• Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the fish to prevent overcooking and maintain moisture.
• Experiment with alternative herbs like thyme or oregano if basil isn’t available or preferred.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg