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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Incorporate fresh basil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, sugar, and pepper into the sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste, balancing tanginess and depth of flavor.
- 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.
- 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