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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Transfer the seared cod to a warm plate, reserving the flavorful pan drippings for the upcoming sauce.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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