Pan-Seared Mediterranean Cod in Tomato Basil Sauce

There’s nothing quite like a fresh and flavorful seafood dish to remind you of Mediterranean shores. Today, I’m excited to share a simple yet stunning recipe: Pan-Seared Mediterranean Cod in a Tomato Basil Sauce. This dish pairs the mild taste of cod with a vibrant tomato sauce, rich in garlic, basil, and a hint of lemon zest, perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients:

• 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 (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:

1. Prepare the Sauce:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the crushed red pepper flakes and minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add the cherry tomatoes to the pan. Let them cook until they start to soften and blister, which usually takes about 9-12 minutes. This process will release their natural sweetness and flavors, enriching the sauce.
• Stir in the vegetable broth along with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Allow this mixture to simmer gently, letting the flavors meld together.
• After a few minutes of simmering, mix in the fresh basil, the remaining 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, sugar, and black pepper. Cook everything together for an additional 2 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.

2. Cook the Cod:

• In a separate pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Season the cod fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. Place them in the pan once it’s sufficiently hot.
• Sear the cod for about 3 minutes on each side until each fillet is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan to ensure each fillet cooks evenly and gets a nice crust.

3. Combine and Serve:

• Once the cod is cooked, pour the prepared tomato basil sauce over the fillets. Increase the heat slightly and let the sauce warm up for about a minute, just enough to heat through without overcooking the fish.
• Serve immediately, ideally with a side of light pasta, rice, or a fresh salad to complete this Mediterranean feast.

This Pan-Seared Mediterranean Cod in Tomato Basil Sauce recipe not only delivers on taste but is also a visual treat, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a gourmet meal at home. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the ease of preparation, bringing a bit of the Mediterranean to your dining table!