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Pan-Seared Mediterranean Cod in Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe

Pan-Seared Mediterranean Cod in Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe

Description

Hello, seafood lovers! If you’re in the mood for something light, flavorful, and bursting with Mediterranean charm, then you’re in for a treat with this recipe for Pan-Seared Mediterranean Cod in Tomato Basil Sauce. Imagine tender cod fillets, seared to perfection, bathed in a zesty tomato basil sauce, and seasoned with lemon juice and garlic. Whether you’re looking for a healthy midweek meal or something impressive for guests, this dish will bring the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your table. Ready to dive into this delightful recipe? Let’s get started!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons 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 vegetable broth
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (divided: 1 tbsp for sauce, 2 tbsp for seasoning)
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
  • 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)
  • 1 and 1/2 pounds fresh cod (cut into 4 fillets)
  • Additional salt and pepper for seasoning

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Tomato Basil Sauce

To begin, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes and 3 finely minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, which should take about 1 minute. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can quickly become bitter.

Step 2: Cooking the Tomatoes

Add 1 pint of halved cherry tomatoes to the pan, stirring occasionally. Allow the tomatoes to cook down for about 9 to 12 minutes or until they are soft and blistering. This step helps release the natural sweetness and juices of the tomatoes, creating the base of your sauce.

Step 3: Adding the Liquids

Once the tomatoes are blistered, stir in 1/4 cup vegetable broth and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Finishing the Sauce

Now, add 1/2 cup fresh chopped basil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper. Stir the mixture well and let it cook for an additional 2 minutes before turning off the heat. Set the sauce aside as you prepare the cod.

Cooking the Cod

Step 5: Seasoning the Cod Fillets

Pat dry the 1 and 1/2 pounds of fresh cod fillets and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning enhances the natural flavor of the cod without overpowering the sauce.

Step 6: Pan-Searing the Cod

In a separate large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, place the seasoned cod fillets in the pan. Cook the fillets for about 3 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Be gentle when flipping the fillets to prevent them from breaking apart.

Step 7: Bringing It All Together

Once the cod is cooked, pour the tomato basil sauce over the fillets in the pan. Allow the sauce to warm up for about 1 minute before serving. This final step lets the cod soak up all the Mediterranean flavors from the sauce.

Equipment

Notes

  • Choose fresh cod fillets for the best results. Frozen cod can be used, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
  • Don’t rush the tomatoes. Cooking them until blistered ensures that their natural sweetness and juices are released, creating a rich and flavorful sauce.
  • Use fresh basil whenever possible. Dried basil can be used in a pinch, but it won’t provide the same vibrant, herbaceous flavor that fresh basil does.
  • Adjust the heat by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes, depending on your spice preference.

Find it online: https://optimalrecipes.com/pan-seared-mediterranean-cod-in-tomato-basil-sauce-recipe/