Cod Fish in White Wine: An Exquisite Dinner Dish
If you’re looking to spice up your weeknight dinner routine, look no further than this cod fish in wine sauce recipe. With a handful of fresh ingredients and just one pan, this dish is easy to make and packs a flavorful punch. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a low-fat option that’s perfect for those watching their calorie intake.
The combination of seared cod fillets and a white wine tomato basil sauce creates a balance of savory and sweet flavors that will surely impress your dinner guests. The addition of garlic and crushed red pepper flakes adds an extra layer of complexity to the dish, adding an unexpected kick that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
To top it all off, this recipe is incredibly versatile – you can serve it alongside roasted vegetables, over a bed of rice, or even just with a crusty piece of bread to sop up the extra sauce. So why not treat yourself tonight to this 5-ingredient one-pan cod recipe lemon butter? Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a succulent and scrumptious seafood meal that’s easy to whip up in your own kitchen, look no further than this Cod Fish in Wine Sauce Recipe! Here are the top reasons why we know you’ll fall in love with this dish:
Firstly, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Whether you prefer to bake or pan-sear your cod fillets, there is no wrong way to prepare them! The wine sauce pairs perfectly with both methods of cooking, so feel free to experiment and find the cooking method that works best for you.
Secondly, this recipe only requires a handful of ingredients — and they’re all easy to find at your local grocery store! Not only does this make the dish budget-friendly, but the dish remains simple yet elegant.
Thirdly, we love how light and bright this dish tastes. With lemon juice, fresh basil, and cherry tomatoes all making an appearance in the recipe, each bite feels like a burst of sunshine. Plus, not only is it light on calories; it’s also low on prep time.
Finally, if you’re a fan of wine (and who isn’t?), you’ll love the addition of dry white wine in the sauce. It adds a subtle richness and depth to the dish that pairs perfectly with the delicate taste of fresh cod.
Overall, this Cod Fish in Wine Sauce Recipe is a delicious and easy way to indulge in one of our favorite seafood dishes. From its inviting flavors to simple preparation, we’re confident you’ll be reaching for seconds (or thirds!) once you take that first bite.
Ingredient List
Let’s go through the ingredients list for this Cod Fish in Wine Sauce Recipe. You will need to get your hands on some cod fish fillets and any kind of olive oil, fresh ground black pepper, salt, fresh lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice to season it. Fresh basil leaves will add a unique touch to our dish. For the wine sauce, we will use some dry white wine and juicy cherry tomatoes. To make the sauce more flavorful, you will need garlic cloves and crushed red pepper flakes. You can either use olive oil or butter to cook our cod fish, but we’d highly recommend using extra-virgin olive oil to make it extra delicious. Lastly, you might want to prepare some chicken broth or have white wine at hand in case you need some extra liquid for the sauce. Let’s dive in!
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
First, gather all the ingredients for the recipe. Rinse and pat dry your cod fish fillets with paper towels. Season each side of the cod fish fillets with fresh ground black pepper and salt, then set aside.
Also, prepare the fish sauce mixture by mincing garlic cloves and chopping up some fresh basil leaves. Halve a few cherry tomatoes and squeeze some fresh lemon juice. Prepare roughly 1/2 cup of dry white wine, to be used for making wine sauce.
Step 2: Pan-sear the cod fish
In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add your seasoned cod fish fillets and cook for approximately four minutes until one side turns golden brown. Flip over and continue cooking for an additional minute or so on the other side.
Remove the seared cod from the skillet onto a plate and keep warm.
Step 3: Create the sauce in the same pan
In that same skillet, add some more olive oil, then sauté minced garlic until it becomes fragrant, which would take roughly 30 seconds. Add halved cherry tomatoes, white wine, fresh lemon zest, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil then reduce heat to medium-low and gently simmer for two minutes.
Stir in unsalted butter (1-2 tablespoons) piece by piece until everything is melted into a smooth consistency. Whisk well to make sure everything comes together.
Step 4: Serve hot!
Add back your pan-seared cod fillets back into the skillet with tomato-basil white wine sauce. Cooking for an additional minute to make sure everything is heated through.
Plate up your dish and spoon some of that tasty wine sauce all over the cod fish. Garnish each plate with chopped fresh basil, and more crushed red pepper flakes if you would like to add an extra spicy kick.
Enjoy your delicious and healthy pan-seared cod fish in white wine tomato sauce, which is easy to prepare in less than 30 minutes!
Substitutions and Variations
Although this recipe calls for cod fish fillets, you can substitute it with other white fish such as haddock or halibut. If you are looking for a low-fat option, try using tilapia or flounder. You can also use shrimp or scallops instead of the fish if you prefer seafood.
If you don’t have dry white wine on hand, you can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or seafood broth as a substitute. If you’re avoiding alcohol altogether, you can replace the white wine with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to add acidity to the dish.
For those who love spicy dishes, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to add more heat to the sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, omit the red pepper flakes entirely.
You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to add more depth and complexity to the dish. Try using thyme, rosemary, or oregano instead of basil. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to incorporate more flavors and textures.
Additionally, there are many variations of this recipe that you can try as well. A tomato and basil sauce can be substituted with saffron sauce for a Mediterranean flair. A creamy lemon caper sauce is another delicious addition. Baked cod in a roasted tomato sauce is always an excellent choice for an homely comfort food meal. The possibilities are endless!
Serving and Pairing
Once your delicious Pan-Seared Cod with White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce is ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy! This light and flavorful dish goes well with a variety of sides such as roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a simple green salad drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice.
To elevate the meal further, pair this dish with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity in the wine will complement the tangy tomato-based sauce while also balancing out the sweetness of the cherry tomatoes. For those who prefer a bold red wine, don’t hesitate to go for it as the tannins will mix well with the flavors of fresh basil and garlic.
For a non-alcoholic option, pairing this dish with a refreshing glass of lemon water or unsweetened iced tea works perfectly. It’s important to remember that the key is balance—strong, overpowering flavors should be avoided to prevent them from competing with this delicate dish.
Whatever your choice may be, remember that this dish is sure to impress. With its perfectly cooked cod fillets smothered in a light and tangy tomato basil sauce, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a classic weeknight dinner option all over the world.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now let’s talk about make-ahead, storing, and reheating this delicious cod in wine sauce recipe.
First off, this recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Once you’re ready to reheat it, simply transfer the dish to an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, simply heat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
One thing to keep in mind is that the longer this dish sits, the more it will absorb the flavors of the wine tomato basil sauce. So don’t be afraid to make a big batch and enjoy it over a few days.
And if you’re wondering what to do with any leftover sauce, fear not. This sauce is so versatile and pairs well with other proteins like chicken, shrimp, or even roasted vegetables. Simply drizzle it over your favorite dish and enjoy.
With these make-ahead, storing, and reheating tips, you can easily prepare this dish for a weeknight dinner or even a special occasion without worrying about last-minute preparations. So go ahead and give this recipe a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to cooking fish, there are a few important tips that can make all the difference between a perfectly cooked and delicious meal, and a lackluster one. These tips are especially critical when cooking cod fillets, which can be delicate and easily overdone.
Firstly, make sure to blot the cod fillets dry with paper towels before seasoning them with salt and pepper. Excess moisture on the surface of the fish can cause it to steam instead of sear in the pan, resulting in a less than desirable texture.
Secondly, when searing the cod fillets in a pan, make sure to heat the oil until it is shimmering but not smoking. This will create a nice brown crust on the outside of the fish while ensuring that it is fully cooked through.
Another crucial tip is to not move the fillets around too much once they are in the pan. Let them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes on each side before flipping so that they do not fall apart or stick to the pan.
Lastly, be careful not to overcook the fish as it can become dry and tough. Aim for an internal temperature of around 140°F (60°C) and remove the fish from the heat just before it is fully cooked as it will continue to cook off-heat.
By following these simple tips, you can achieve perfectly seared and succulent cod fillets every time you cook them.
FAQ
Now that we have gone through the recipe for this delightful Cod Fish in Wine Sauce, there might be some questions that come to mind regarding the ingredients or methods used. To clear things up, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions and their answers to help make the preparation process as smooth as possible. So, let’s dive in!
Does cod need to be marinated?
Cod is a great option for those who want a fish that does not have a strong taste and is low in fat. It is also perfect for those who prefer not to leave behind any strong fishy scent in their kitchen. Nonetheless, cod lacks flavor, and it’s essential to use some form of marinade to give it a good taste. You don’t need to have salt or oil-rich marinades; it’s possible to prepare a healthy one that combines both taste and nutrition.
What wine goes well with cod fish?
When it comes to pairing white wine with fish dishes, I would recommend going for dry varieties like Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc. These types of wine have a subtle earthiness to them that can complement the flavors of fish, particularly cod and tilapia. The result is a mouthwatering combination that is sure to please even the most discerning palate.
How to cook cod fish with sauce?
To prepare this delicious cod dish, take a large saute pan and heat some oil over a medium flame. Next, make sure to pat dry the cod using paper towels. Once dry, place the cod into the hot oil and cook until it turns golden brown in color which may take about 3 minutes. Finally, pour the white wine tomato basil sauce over the cod, allowing the sauce to warm up for a minute. Once done, remove it from the heat and serve it immediately for a scrumptious dining experience.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Cod Fish in Wine Sauce recipe is perfect for any seafood lover who appreciates a great taste and a healthy dish to boot. With its low-fat content and packed with delicious ingredients, it’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking to keep things light but still indulge in some wonderful flavors.
The beauty of this recipe is that it pairs so well with so many different foods, making it a versatile option for any mealtime. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a hearty dinner, or even a special occasion feast, the Cod Fish in Wine Sauce recipe is sure to please.
So don’t hesitate to try this recipe out for yourself today! It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and pairs beautifully with any number of other dishes. Your tastebuds will thank you, and your health will be all the better for it!
Cod Fish in Wine Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
For the White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 large garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (more to taste)
For the Cod
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cod fish fillets, 6 oz each
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees (F).
- FOR THE WINE SAUCE:
- Warm the oil in a large, oven safe, saute pan over medium heat. Add the pepper flakes and garlic and saute for 1 minute, or till garlic is fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook, stirring every now and then, until they are soft & blistering, but keep their shape, 9 to 12 minutes.
- Add inside the white wine, stir, and allow the sauce to come to a mild simmer. Stir in the basil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper and cook for two minutes, then transfer the sauce to a bowl, and set aside.
- FOR THE COD;.
- In the same pan, heat oil over medium heat. Season both sides of the cod fish with salt and pepper. Add the seasoned cod to the pan and cook until golden brown, approximately 5 minutes.
- Carefully flip the cod over and place the pan in the oven to continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the fish is cooked.
- Pour the white wine tomato basil sauce over the cod and serve.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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