Pan-Seared Cod in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Discover the delicate flavors of pan-seared cod paired with a vibrant white wine tomato basil sauce. This dish combines tender, flaky fish with a fresh, aromatic sauce that brightens every bite. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons (28ml) olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 3 large cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 pint 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 freshly ground black pepper (more to taste)
• 2 tablespoons (28ml) olive oil
• 1 1/2 pounds fresh cod, cut into 4 fillets
• Salt and pepper, to season

Instructions

1. Step 1: For the white wine tomato basil sauce, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add crushed red pepper flakes and minced garlic, sautéing for 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
2. Step 2: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are soft and blistering but still hold their shape, about 8 to 12 minutes.
3. Step 3: Pour in the white wine and stir. Let the mixture gently simmer, then add chopped basil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, sugar, and black pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes, taste, and adjust seasonings if needed. Transfer the sauce to a bowl and set aside.
4. Step 4: For the cod, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
5. Step 5: Place the cod in the hot oil and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Carefully flip the fillets and continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
6. Step 6: Pour the warm white wine tomato basil sauce over the cooked cod. Let it warm through for a minute, then remove from heat and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer sauce, add an extra 1/4 cup of white wine when simmering the tomatoes.
• If fresh basil isn’t available, substitute with 1 tablespoon dried basil, but add it earlier in the cooking process.
• Serve with crusty bread or over cooked pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Ensure the cod is dry before cooking to get a perfect sear and avoid steaming.

Storage

Store any leftover cod and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain the fish’s texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent drying out the cod.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking to achieve the best sear and texture.

What can I substitute for white wine in the sauce?

You can replace white wine with vegetable or chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice to maintain acidity if you prefer a non-alcoholic option.

Pan-Seared Cod in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 134 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Pan-Seared Cod in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce is a flavorful and elegant dish featuring tender cod fillets seared to golden perfection and topped with a vibrant sauce made from blistered cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and a splash of dry white wine. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe brings together Mediterranean-inspired ingredients for a delicious, light meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce

• 2 tablespoons (28ml) olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 3 large cloves 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)

Cod

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

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Instructions

1. Prepare the sauce: In a large sauté pan over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the crushed red pepper flakes and finely minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
2. Cook tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and blistered but still hold their shape, about 8 to 12 minutes.
3. Add wine and seasonings: Pour in the dry white wine and stir, allowing the mixture to gently simmer. Stir in finely chopped fresh basil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, sugar, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Set sauce aside: Transfer the prepared sauce into a bowl and set aside until ready to serve.
5. Prepare the cod: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large nonstick pan or skillet over medium heat. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
6. Pan-sear cod: Place the cod fillets carefully in the hot oil and cook undisturbed until golden brown on one side, approximately 3 minutes. Flip the fillets gently and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
7. Combine and serve: Pour the warm white wine tomato basil sauce over the cooked cod fillets in the pan. Allow the sauce to warm for a minute with the fish, then remove from heat and serve immediately.

Notes

• For a saucier dish, add an extra 1/4 cup of white wine during sauce preparation.
• Be careful not to overcook the cod; it should flake easily but remain moist and tender.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
• The fresh basil can be substituted with dried basil if fresh is not available, but reduce quantity to 1 tablespoon.
• Serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or over a bed of rice or pasta for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: cod recipe, pan-seared cod, white wine sauce, tomato basil sauce, healthy seafood, Mediterranean fish recipe