Pan-Seared Cod in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
28ml
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 large cloves of garlic
finely minced
- 1 pint juicy cherry tomatoes
sliced in half
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
57ml
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
28ml
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
- more to taste1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- more to taste1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
28ml
- 1 and 1/2 pounds fresh cod
cut into 4 fillets
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- 1
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. - 2
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.
Pan-Seared Cod in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce
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About this Recipe
Craving a light yet incredibly flavorful meal that comes together in a flash? This Pan-Seared Cod in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce is your answer, delivering restaurant-quality taste in about 40 minutes with minimal effort.
Why This Recipe Works
What sets this cod recipe apart is the vibrant, aromatic white wine tomato basil sauce, which develops complex flavors while the cod quickly pan-sears. The fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, and red pepper flakes create a beautifully balanced profile—bright, zesty, and with just a hint of warmth. It’s a harmonious blend that perfectly complements the delicate white fish.
What to Expect
Imagine tender, flaky cod fillets enveloped in a rich yet fresh sauce bursting with the sweetness of juicy cherry tomatoes and the aromatic perfume of fresh basil. Each bite offers a delightful balance of savory fish, bright lemon, fragrant garlic, and a subtle kick from red pepper flakes, all mellowed by a splash of dry white wine. This dish feels elegant enough for guests but is simple enough for a busy weeknight, promising a satisfying and healthful meal experience.
Customization & Variations
Tailor the spice level by adjusting the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to your preference. You can also fine-tune the sweetness and acidity by tweaking the granulated sugar and lemon juice to taste. Don't be shy about adding more fresh ground black pepper or salt if you feel it needs it.
Serving & Context
This exquisite pan-seared cod makes for a fantastic main course, perfect for a relaxed weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Serve it alongside a simple rice pilaf, a bed of pasta, or with some crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the delicious white wine tomato basil sauce.