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!

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

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!

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.

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.

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!

Pan-Seared Mediterranean Cod Basil Sauce

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• Author: Dulcia

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Ingredients

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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 as 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

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Instructions

For the sauce, heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add red pepper flakes and garlic, sautéing for 1 minute. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until soft and blistering (9-12 minutes).
Stir in vegetable broth and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Let it simmer gently. Then, add basil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, zest, salt, sugar, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, then set aside.
For the cod, heat olive oil in another pan over medium heat. Season cod with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown (about 3 minutes each side).
Pour the tomato basil sauce over the cod, warm up for a minute, then serve.