Tasty Pan-seared Cod In White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe

Seafood enthusiasts adore this delectable pan-seared cod in white wine tomato basil sauce that brings restaurant-quality elegance to your home kitchen.

Delicate cod fillets create a stunning centerpiece for any dinner table.

The vibrant sauce bursts with Mediterranean flavors, blending tangy tomatoes and aromatic basil.

Crisp white wine adds depth and complexity to each succulent bite.

Fresh ingredients dance together, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Simple techniques transform ordinary fish into an extraordinary meal that impresses even the most discerning palates.

You’ll savor every moment of preparing this elegant dish that feels like a culinary adventure.

What Makes This Pan-Seared Cod So Good

• Transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal cooking skills required, making sophisticated cooking accessible for home chefs.
• Craft a vibrant, zesty meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but don't have hours to cook.
• Enjoy a nutritious seafood option packed with lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and fresh ingredients that deliver maximum flavor without heavy calories.
• Effortlessly elevate your meal from casual family dinner to an impressive date night or entertaining option, adapting beautifully to different dining scenarios.

Ingredients for Pan-Seared Cod in Tomato Basil Sauce

• Cod Fillets: A delicate white fish that absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully and provides a tender, flaky texture.

• Garlic, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: These ingredients create a flavor base that adds depth and a subtle heat to the dish.
• Fresh Basil: Brings a bright, herbaceous note that complements the fish and tomatoes.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the cod and sauce.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and lemon.

• White Wine: Adds complexity and helps deglaze the pan, creating a rich sauce base.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Provides a bright, citrusy freshness that cuts through the richness of the fish.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Create a vibrant, slightly sweet sauce with a beautiful texture and color.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a smooth, rich background flavor to the dish.

Easy Steps for Pan-Seared Cod in White Wine Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, creating a fragrant foundation.

Stir quickly for about 60 seconds, ensuring the garlic becomes wonderfully aromatic without browning.

Step 2: Develop Tomato Essence

Introduce halved cherry tomatoes to the pan.

Allow them to slowly cook and soften, releasing their natural juices.

Gently stir occasionally, watching them blister and create a rich, concentrated flavor.

This process takes approximately 8-12 minutes.

Step 3: Enhance With White Wine

Pour white wine into the skillet, creating a sizzling reaction.

Use a wooden spoon to scrape up delicious browned bits from the pan bottom.

Let the wine simmer and reduce, concentrating the flavors for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Create Vibrant Sauce

• Fresh basil leaves
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Salt
• Sugar
• Black pepper

Taste and adjust seasonings, balancing flavors until perfectly harmonized.

Step 5: Perfectly Sear Cod

Heat additional olive oil in a separate nonstick skillet.

Season cod fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.

Place fillets in hot pan, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.

Aim for a crispy exterior while maintaining a tender interior.

Step 6: Combine And Serve

Gently place seared cod into the prepared tomato sauce.

Allow fish to simmer for one minute, letting flavors meld together.

Transfer to serving plates, ensuring each fillet is generously coated with the vibrant sauce.

Handy Tips for Pan-Seared Cod with Basil

• Watch your garlic closely during sautéing to avoid bitter flavors. Remove from heat the moment it turns golden and becomes fragrant.
• Allow cherry tomatoes to slowly break down and release natural sweetness. Resist frequent stirring to help them develop a rich, concentrated taste.
• Choose a crisp, dry white wine like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio for the best sauce depth. Avoid overly sweet wines that can disrupt the sauce's balance.
• Pat cod fillets completely dry before seasoning to achieve a beautiful golden crust. Use a nonstick pan and avoid moving fish while cooking to create a crispy exterior.
• Taste and adjust sauce flavors gradually. A pinch of sugar can neutralize acidity, while extra lemon juice brightens the overall dish's complexity.

Store and Reheat Pan-Seared Cod the Smart Way

• Transfer leftover cod and sauce to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cool the dish completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain texture.
• Carefully place cod and sauce in a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 1 month. Wrap the container in plastic wrap for extra protection against freezer burn.
• Gently warm the cod in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or white wine to prevent drying. Cover the pan and heat slowly, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. Cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
• Place cod and sauce in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Check internal temperature reaches 145°F to ensure safe consumption.

Great Pairings for Pan-Seared Cod in Tomato Sauce

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to mirror the recipe's white wine sauce and complement the delicate cod flavor.
• Herb-Infused Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread or herbed focaccia to soak up the vibrant tomato-basil sauce and add textural contrast to the tender fish.
• Zesty Side Salad Boost: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, which echoes the recipe's citrusy notes and provides a fresh, peppery counterpoint to the rich cod.
• Mediterranean Vegetable Partner: Roast a medley of Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant with olive oil and herbs to create a colorful, complementary side dish that enhances the meal's coastal flavors.

Different Takes on Pan-Seared Cod With Sauce

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace any potential wheat-based ingredients with gluten-free alternatives like tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Swap basil with oregano and add chopped kalamata olives to enhance the Mediterranean profile. Include a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese on top for extra flavor complexity.
• Low-Carb Option: Reduce tomato quantity and replace white wine with chicken broth to lower carbohydrate content. Use more herbs and lemon zest to maintain robust flavor without additional sugars.
• Spicy Seafood Remix: Increase crushed red pepper flakes and add diced jalapeños during tomato cooking stage. Incorporate smoked paprika into cod seasoning for an extra kick of heat and depth.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for the white wine tomato basil sauce?

The key ingredients are cherry tomatoes, white wine, fresh basil, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, sugar, and pepper. These ingredients create a vibrant, flavorful sauce that complements the cod perfectly.

• How do I know when the cod is perfectly cooked?

Cook the cod for 3-4 minutes on each side until it develops a golden crust. The fish should be just cooked through and flake easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the cod dry and tough.

• Can I substitute the white wine in the recipe?

If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with chicken broth or seafood stock. These alternatives will still provide depth and flavor to the sauce while keeping the overall profile of the dish similar.

• What type of cod works best for this recipe?

Fresh cod fillets are ideal. Look for firm, white fish that’s free from any strong fishy smell. Wild-caught cod works particularly well, but any fresh, high-quality cod will produce excellent results.

Pan-seared Cod In White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired pan-seared cod dances with zesty white wine tomato basil sauce, creating a delightful seafood experience. Delicate fish meets robust flavors, promising a restaurant-quality meal that brings coastal Italian elegance straight to your plate.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds fresh cod
• 1 pint juicy cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup fresh basil
• 1/4 cup dry white wine

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 3 large cloves garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest

Liquid and Oils:

• 4 tablespoons (56 ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (28 ml) fresh lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatic base by heating olive oil in a large pan over medium heat until it shimmers, then add garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for approximately 60 seconds, ensuring the garlic remains fragrant without browning.
2. Introduce halved cherry tomatoes to the pan, allowing them to soften and develop a slight blistered exterior. Cook for 8-12 minutes, gently stirring to encourage juice release while maintaining their structural integrity.
3. Deglaze the pan with white wine, creating a sizzling reaction that helps lift and incorporate the flavorful browned bits from the pan’s bottom. Reduce the wine for 2-3 minutes, concentrating its essence.
4. Incorporate fresh basil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, sugar, and pepper into the sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste, balancing tanginess and depth of flavor.
5. Simultaneously prepare the cod by heating another tablespoon of olive oil in a separate nonstick skillet over medium heat. Season fish fillets with salt and pepper, then sear for 3-4 minutes per side until a golden crust forms. Maintain careful attention to prevent overcooking.
6. Gently transfer the seared cod into the prepared sauce, allowing them to meld together for an additional minute. This final step ensures the fish absorbs the vibrant sauce’s complex flavors and achieves optimal temperature.

Notes

• Maximize flavor by using fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes that burst with sweetness when cooked down.
• Choose a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the delicate cod and bright tomato sauce.
• Pat the cod fillets completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear that locks in moisture.
• Adjust the heat carefully when cooking garlic to prevent burning, which can create a bitter taste that overwhelms the dish’s delicate flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 70mg