Zesty Pan-Seared Cod in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe

Sinking your fork into a delicate pan-seared cod that melts like butter against a vibrant white wine tomato basil sauce.

Mediterranean kitchens know this dish speaks volumes about simple, elegant cooking.

Fresh ingredients dance together in a symphony of flavor and color.

Ocean-caught cod becomes the star when treated with gentle respect and minimal manipulation.

Bright tomatoes burst with natural sweetness while basil adds a whisper of aromatic complexity.

Crisp white wine weaves through the sauce, creating depth that surprises and delights.

This recipe transforms an ordinary weeknight meal into something memorably spectacular.

Come cook alongside me and experience seafood at its most sublime.

How To Store Pan-Seared Cod In White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover cod and sauce to an airtight container, keeping them together to maintain moisture. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Cool Down: Allow the dish to reach room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation and potential bacterial growth.
• Reheat Gently: Warm the cod and sauce in a skillet over low-medium heat, adding a splash of broth or white wine to prevent drying. Stir carefully to keep the fish intact and heat until warmed through, about 3-4 minutes.
• Avoid Microwave: Skip microwaving to prevent the delicate fish from becoming tough and rubbery, which can compromise the texture and flavor of your pan-seared cod.

Why Pan-Seared Cod In White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce Stands Out

• Effortless Elegance: Create a restaurant-quality dish with minimal cooking skills, transforming simple ingredients into a sophisticated meal that looks impressive yet requires surprisingly little technique.
• Flavor Explosion: Enjoy a vibrant combination of tender cod, bright tomatoes, aromatic basil, and rich white wine sauce that delivers complex taste layers in every single bite, making each mouthful exciting and memorable.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a nutritious, delicious dinner in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy professionals or families seeking a fast, wholesome meal without complicated steps or extensive cleanup.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Comfort: Experience a light, healthy dish that brings coastal culinary vibes directly to your kitchen, offering a healthy protein option bursting with fresh herbs and Mediterranean-style flavors.

What You’ll Need For Pan-Seared Cod In White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce

• Cod Fillets: Delicate white fish that absorbs flavors beautifully, best when fresh and patted dry before cooking.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Rich foundation for searing fish and building sauce flavor, choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil.

• Garlic, Onion: Flavor base that provides depth and complexity to the sauce, fresh and finely chopped for best results.

• White Wine, Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Adds depth and helps create a silky sauce, select a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing natural flavors of fish and sauce, use freshly ground black pepper for best taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes, Sugar: Optional ingredients for adding heat and balancing acidity, adjust to personal preference.

• Fresh Basil: Bright, aromatic herb that adds freshness and color, choose vibrant green leaves with no wilting.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides sauce with rich texture and slight acidity, canned or fresh tomatoes work well.

How To Make Pan-Seared Cod In White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Cod Fillets

Gently pat the cod fillets with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Sprinkle both sides with a light layer of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let the fish sit at room temperature for a few minutes to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Create a Golden Sear

Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and a knob of butter. Once the pan is sizzling hot, carefully place the cod fillets into the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms and the fish is cooked through. The fish should easily flake when touched with a fork. Transfer the seared cod to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Aromatic Sauce

• Minced garlic
• Diced onion

Saute the aromatics until they become soft and release their fragrant oils, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Deglaze and Develop Flavors

Pour white wine into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes, concentrating the flavors.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken or vegetable broth
• Pinch of red pepper flakes
• Tiny sprinkle of sugar (if tomatoes are tart)

Allow the sauce to bubble gently for 5-7 minutes, letting it thicken and meld together.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Stir in freshly chopped basil leaves. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 7: Reunite the Cod with Sauce

Carefully nestle the seared cod fillets back into the simmering sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top of the fish and let it warm through for 2-3 minutes.

Step 8: Plate and Serve

Transfer the cod and sauce to warm plates. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves. Serve alongside crusty bread, fluffy rice, or tender pasta to soak up the incredible sauce.

Pro Tip: The secret to perfectly cooked cod is to avoid overcooking. The fish should be opaque and flake easily but remain moist and tender.

Cooking Tips For Pan-Seared Cod In White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce

• Perfectly Pat Dry: Remove excess moisture from cod fillets using paper towels to ensure a crispy, golden-brown sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Wine Selection Matters: Choose a dry white wine like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that complements the delicate fish and adds bright acidity to the sauce.
• Adjust Sauce Consistency: Control the sauce thickness by simmering longer for a reduced, more concentrated flavor or adding extra broth for a lighter texture.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Chop basil just before adding to maintain its vibrant color and release maximum aromatic oils for a more intense flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to make the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diners while maintaining the recipe's delicious essence.

What Goes Well With Pan-Seared Cod In White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce

• Crisp Wine Companion: Select a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to mirror the white wine in the sauce, enhancing the delicate cod's flavor profile and complementing the bright tomato basil notes.
• Crusty Bread Dipping Delight: Serve warm, rustic sourdough or ciabatta bread alongside the dish, perfect for soaking up the rich, aromatic white wine tomato sauce and capturing every delicious drop.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Side Salad: Prepare a light greek salad with cucumber, feta cheese, kalamata olives, and a simple lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, tangy contrast to the tender cod and robust sauce.
• Herbed Risotto Base: Create a creamy parmesan and herb risotto as a luxurious foundation, allowing the sauce to meld beautifully with the rice and offering a sophisticated textural complement to the seared fish.

Try These Takes On Pan-Seared Cod In White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce

• Mediterranean Herb Cod: Enhance the fish with a blend of oregano, thyme, and rosemary, creating a robust Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that complements the white wine sauce.
• Spicy Jalapeño Version: Add minced jalapeños and a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a zesty kick that elevates the delicate cod with a spicy undertone.
• Coconut Curry Adaptation: Swap white wine with coconut milk and incorporate mild curry powder, transforming the sauce into a creamy, aromatic experience that brings an exotic touch to the classic recipe.
• Lemon Caper Infusion: Replace some of the broth with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle briny capers into the sauce, introducing a bright, tangy element that cuts through the richness of the fish.

Pan-Seared Cod In White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce FAQs

• Why use both olive oil and butter for searing the cod?

The combination of olive oil and butter helps achieve a golden-brown crust while adding rich flavor. The olive oil prevents the butter from burning and raises the cooking temperature, creating a perfect sear on the fish.

• Can I substitute cod with another type of fish?

Absolutely! White fish like halibut, tilapia, or sea bass work great in this recipe. Just ensure the fish is similar in thickness to cod for consistent cooking times.

• How do I know if the cod is cooked properly?

The cod is perfectly cooked when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. It should look white and have a firm texture. The internal temperature should reach 145°F for safe consumption.

• Is this recipe spicy with the red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add just a subtle hint of heat. You can control the spice level by adjusting the amount or omitting them entirely if you prefer a milder sauce.

Pan-Seared Cod In White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Elegant Mediterranean flavors dance through this pan-seared cod in white wine tomato basil sauce, bringing coastal Italian charm to your dinner table. Fresh ingredients and simple techniques deliver a restaurant-quality meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cod fillets (6 ounces/170 grams each)
• 1 can (14 ounces/400 grams) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) dry white wine
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup (30 grams) fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Cooking Fats:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cod by gently patting the fillets dry with paper towels, then generously seasoning both sides with salt and black pepper to enhance the fish’s natural flavors.
2. Create a golden crust on the cod by heating olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the fillets into the hot pan and sear for approximately 3-4 minutes per side until a beautiful caramelized exterior develops and the fish is perfectly cooked through.
3. Transfer the seared cod to a warm plate, reserving the flavorful pan drippings for the upcoming sauce.
4. In the same skillet, introduce fresh olive oil and gently saute minced garlic and diced onions until they become translucent and release their aromatic essence, approximately 2-3 minutes.
5. Deglaze the pan with white wine, using a wooden spoon to scrape up the delectable browned bits clinging to the bottom of the skillet. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce, concentrating its complex flavors.
6. Incorporate diced tomatoes, a pinch of red pepper flakes, a touch of sugar, and chicken or vegetable broth into the developing sauce. Let the mixture gently simmer, allowing the ingredients to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
7. Stir in freshly chopped basil leaves, creating a vibrant and fragrant dimension to the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
8. Carefully nestle the seared cod fillets back into the sauce, spooning the liquid over the fish to ensure it remains moist and absorbs the rich, layered flavors.
9. Serve the cod immediately, garnishing with extra fresh basil leaves. Accompany the dish with crusty bread, fluffy rice, or al dente pasta to soak up the luxurious sauce.

Notes

• Pat the cod completely dry to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear without excess moisture interfering with the cooking process.
• Choose fresh, high-quality cod with firm, white flesh for the best texture and flavor in this delicate dish.
• Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning during the searing process.
• Remove the fish immediately when it turns golden to prevent overcooking, which can make the cod tough and dry.
• Adjust the white wine’s acidity by adding a pinch of sugar if the sauce tastes too sharp or tangy.
• Swap cod with other mild white fish like halibut or tilapia for variety while maintaining similar cooking techniques.
• Create a gluten-free version by using cornstarch instead of flour for thickening and serving with cauliflower rice.
• Transform this dish into a low-carb option by reducing the broth and focusing on the fish and sauce’s rich flavors.
• Fresh basil is crucial – add it at the last moment to preserve its vibrant color and aromatic essence.
• For a more intense flavor, briefly toast red pepper flakes in oil before adding other ingredients to release their full potential.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg