Pan-Seared Cod in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce

Pan-Seared Cod in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce

Love cod? Then you’re going to crave this quick and delicious pan-seared cod with a white wine, tomato, and basil sauce. Bursting with flavour from garlic, fresh lemon, herbs, red pepper flakes, and a splash of white wine, this vibrant sauce transforms simple cod fillets into something truly special. Just pan-fry until perfectly flaky, spoon over the sauce, and dinner’s on the table in 15 minutes!

Ingredients

For the White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons (28ml) olive oil
  • 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 (57ml) dry white wine *add an extra 1/4 cup for a saucier sauce
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons (28ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (more to taste)

For the Cod:

  • 2 tablespoons (28ml) olive oil
  • 1 and 1/2 pounds fresh cod cut into 4 fillets
  • Salt and pepper

Method

White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce:

  1. Heat oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the crushed red pepper flakes and minced garlic, cooking for about a minute—just until the garlic becomes fragrant (be careful not to let it brown).
  2. Toss in the cherry tomatoes and cook, stirring now and then, until they begin to soften and blister—this should take around 8 to 12 minutes, but they should still hold their shape.
  3. Pour in the white wine, give everything a good stir, and let it gently simmer. Mix in the fresh basil, lemon juice and zest, along with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Let the sauce simmer for another 2 minutes.
  4. Taste and tweak the seasoning if needed. Once done, remove from the heat and transfer the sauce to a bowl until you're ready to use it.

 To Cook the Cod:

  1. Warm a little oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. While the pan heats up, pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Place the cod in the pan and sear for about 3 minutes, or until the underside turns golden brown. Gently flip the fillets and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  3. Spoon the prepared white wine tomato basil sauce over the cod, allow it to heat through for about a minute, then remove from the heat and serve straight away.

 Ready to bring this delicious dish to life? Start with the freshest cod, delivered straight to your door. 🌊🐟

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