Pan-Seared Mediterranean Cod with Basil Sauce

Introduction

Welcome back to my blog, where I love sharing delicious and easy-to-follow recipes that will make your taste buds sing. Today, I’m excited to bring you a delightful seafood dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion: Pan-Seared Mediterranean Cod with Basil Sauce. This recipe combines the fresh flavors of basil and lemon with the rich taste of cherry tomatoes to create a vibrant and mouthwatering meal. Let’s dive in!

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Pan-Seared Mediterranean Cod with Basil Sauce

Ingredients:

• For the Sauce:
  • 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
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 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)
• For the Cod:
  • 1 and 1/2 pounds fresh cod, cut into 4 fillets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Additional salt and pepper for seasoning

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Basil Sauce:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat.
• Add 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add 1 pint of halved cherry tomatoes to the pan. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and blistering, about 9-12 minutes.
• Stir in 1/4 cup vegetable broth and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes.
• Add 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh basil, 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes, then set the sauce aside.

2. Cook the Cod:

• In another pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
• Season 4 cod fillets with salt and pepper.
• Place the fillets in the pan and cook until golden brown on each side, about 3 minutes per side.
• Pour the prepared tomato basil sauce over the cod fillets and warm everything together for an additional minute.

3. Serve:

• Plate the cod fillets and generously spoon the basil sauce over the top.
• Serve immediately, and enjoy your flavorful Mediterranean-inspired meal!

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Tips and Tricks:

• Freshness Matters: Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh basil and ripe cherry tomatoes are key to this dish.
• Perfect Sear: Make sure your pan is hot before adding the cod to achieve a nice golden-brown crust.
• Customize: Adjust the seasoning to your preference. Add more crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat or more sugar for a touch of sweetness.

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Conclusion

This Pan-Seared Mediterranean Cod with Basil Sauce is a fantastic way to bring the flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. It’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a new recipe to try, this dish is sure to impress. Happy cooking!

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and share your experience.

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Enjoyed this recipe? Don’t forget to check out more of my recipes and tips on my blog. Stay tuned for more delicious dishes coming your way!

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