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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Gently place seasoned cod fillets into the heated pan, positioning them carefully to prevent overcrowding and promote optimal caramelization.
- Allow fillets to sear undisturbed for approximately 3-4 minutes, developing a crisp, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and enhances flavor complexity.
- 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.
- 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