Description
This Pan-Seared Cod in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce recipe combines tender, flaky cod fillets with a vibrant, flavorful sauce made from blistered cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of dry white wine. Perfectly seared to golden brown, the cod pairs beautifully with the bright acidity of lemon and the subtle heat from red pepper flakes, making it a light yet satisfying dish ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the 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 freshly 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, to season
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add crushed red pepper flakes and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Cook the Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and blistering while still retaining their shape, about 8 to 12 minutes.
- Add Wine and Seasonings: Pour in the dry white wine and stir. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Then stir in fresh basil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, sugar, and freshly ground black pepper. Let the sauce cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Set the Sauce Aside: Transfer the sauce into a bowl and set aside until ready to use.
- Prepare the Cod: Heat olive oil in a large nonstick pan or skillet over medium heat. Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Cod: Place the cod fillets in the hot oil and cook until the underside is golden brown, approximately 3 minutes. Carefully flip each fillet and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Combine and Serve: Spoon the white wine tomato basil sauce over the cooked cod fillets in the pan, allowing the sauce to warm for about 1 minute. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a saucier consistency, add an extra 1/4 cup of dry white wine to the tomato basil sauce.
- Ensure the cod is patted very dry before seasoning and searing to achieve a beautiful golden crust.
- Dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio work best for this recipe.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Pan-Seared Cod, White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce, Healthy Fish Recipe, Mediterranean Fish Dish, Easy Seafood Dinner
