Pan Seared Cod In White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe
I can’t wait to tell you about this dish because it’s quickly become one of my favorites. Imagine tender, flaky cod nestled in a tangy, flavorful white wine tomato basil sauce. That’s what you get here, and trust me, the result is nothing short of restaurant-worthy.
Ingredients
- Cod fillets 2 fillets, approximately 6 oz each
- Olive oil 2 tbsp
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Paprika 1 tsp
- Garlic 2 cloves, minced
- Onion 1 small, chopped
- Diced tomatoes 1 can, 14.5 oz
- White wine 1/2 cup
- Fresh basil 1/4 cup, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by heating olive oil in a medium saucepan. Add your chopped onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. This will take about 2-3 minutes. Once softened, pour in your diced tomatoes and white wine. Stir everything together, allowing the sauce to simmer for 10-15 minutes. The flavors will meld beautifully as the sauce thickens. Toss in those chopped basil leaves toward the end, and your kitchen will smell heavenly!
- Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel. Dry fillets get a better sear, trust me. Sprinkle both sides with salt, black pepper, and a hint of paprika for some smoky depth. This simple blend really brings out the fish’s natural flavor.
- Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, lay your seasoned cod fillets in carefully. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side, then flip using a fish spatula. The cod should have a nice golden crust and flake easily with a fork when done.
- Spoon that gorgeous tomato basil sauce onto your plates and gently nestle the cod fillets on top. For a final flourish, garnish with fresh basil and a wedge of lemon for a burst of bright flavor.
Notes
- Dry Your Cod: Make sure to pat the cod dry before seasoning and searing. It helps achieve that golden crust.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If cooking multiple fillets, sear them in batches to avoid steaming.
- Use Good Wine: This doesn’t mean expensive, but choose a dry white wine you’d actually enjoy drinking. It makes a big difference!
- Watch Your Heat: Keep the pan at medium-high heat for a good sear while avoiding burning.