Elevate your dinner with this Pan-Seared Cod in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce. This dish features tender, flaky cod fillets cooked to perfection and smothered in a flavorful sauce made with cherry tomatoes, white wine, and fresh basil. It’s an elegant and delicious meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.
My family can’t get enough of this Pan-Seared Cod with White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce! The first time I made it, the kitchen filled with the tantalizing aroma of garlic and fresh basil. My husband was immediately intrigued and couldn’t wait to taste it. Now, this dish has become a staple in our household, especially for special occasions or when we want to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. The fresh, vibrant flavors of the tomato basil sauce perfectly complement the succulent cod, making each bite a delightful experience. It’s a recipe that brings a touch of elegance to our dinner table and leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Why This Pan-Seared Cod with White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce?
- Restaurant-Quality: Brings gourmet flavors to your home kitchen.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Healthy and Light: Cod is a lean source of protein, and the sauce is made with fresh, wholesome ingredients.
- Flavorful: The combination of white wine, cherry tomatoes, and basil creates a sauce that is both rich and refreshing.
Ingredients:
For the White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons (28ml) olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.6g) crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 large cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 pint (300g) juicy cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 1/4 cup (57ml) dry white wine
- 1/2 cup (20g) fresh basil, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons (28ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon (2g) fresh lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon (2g) salt (more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon (4g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon (1g) fresh ground black pepper (more to taste)
For the Cod:
- 2 tablespoons (28ml) olive oil
- 1.5 pounds (680g) fresh cod, cut into 4 fillets
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
For the White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce:
- In a large sauté pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil.
- Add the crushed red pepper flakes and garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and blistering but still hold their shape, about 8-12 minutes.
- Pour in the white wine, stir, and allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the basil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, sugar, and pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Transfer the sauce to a bowl and set aside.
For the Cod:
- Heat olive oil in a large nonstick pan or skillet over medium heat.
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Place the cod in the heated oil and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes.
- Carefully flip the cod over and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, or until it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Pour the prepared white wine tomato basil sauce over the cod. Let the sauce warm up for a minute.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes:
- Substitutions: You can use any firm white fish such as halibut or haddock if cod is not available.
- Cooking Tips: Make sure not to overcook the cod; it should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of steamed vegetables, a fresh green salad, or over a bed of rice or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
