Pan-Seared Cod in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce
User Reviews
4.9
Pan-Seared Cod in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce
Description
Pan-Seared Cod in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce involves cooking cod fillets in olive oil until golden and just cooked through. The accompanying sauce is made by sautéing garlic with red pepper flakes, then cooking cherry tomatoes until soft but still holding shape. White wine adds acidity and depth, while basil, lemon juice, and zest provide fresh aromatic flavors. The sauce is simmered briefly to meld the ingredients before serving over the fish.
This dish suits a light dinner, showcasing firm cod with a vibrant sauce that highlights seasonal tomatoes and herbs. The cooking technique balances the fish’s delicate texture with a sauce that complements without overpowering.
Note that the cooking steps have been updated slightly, though the recipe's flavor remains consistent with the original method.
Ingredients
For the White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons (28ml) olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes crushed
- 3 large garlic finely minced, cloves
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes sliced in half, juicy
- 1/4 cup (57ml) white wine add an extra 1/4 cup for a saucier sauce, dry
- 1/2 cup basil finely chopped, fresh
- 2 tablespoons (28ml) lemon juice fresh
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest fresh
- 1/2 teaspoon salt more to taste
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper fresh ground, more to taste
For the Cod:
- 2 tablespoons (28ml) olive oil
- 1 and 1/2 pounds cod cut into 4 fillets, fresh
- salt
- black pepper
Instructions
For the White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce:
- In a large sauté pan over medium heat, warm the oil. Add crushed red pepper flakes and garlic and sauté for 1 minute, or until garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they're soft and blistering, but still hold their shape, about 8 to 12 minutes.
- Add in the white wine, stir, and allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer. Stir in the basil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, sugar, and pepper and cook for 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Transfer the sauce into a bowl and set aside until needed.
For the Cod:
- Heat oil in a large nonstick pan or skillet over medium heat. Pat the cod dry with paper towels. Then season both sides of cod with salt and pepper.
- Place cod in the oil and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Carefully flip the cod over and continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes, OR until it's cooked through.
- Pour the white wine tomato basil sauce over the cod, let the sauce warm up for a minute, then remove from heat and and serve at once.
Notes
- The recipe’s cooking method has been revised, but the flavor and ingredient balance remain the same.