Description
This Pan-Seared Cod in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce is a simple yet elegant dish featuring tender, flaky cod fillets cooked in a light, garlicky white wine sauce with juicy cherry tomatoes and fresh basil. It’s a quick and healthy meal that pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the cod:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for color)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
For the white wine tomato basil sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tbsp butter (for richness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Sear the cod: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cod fillets and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Finish the sauce: Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Let it cook for another 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in butter and fresh basil, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Return the cod fillets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let them warm through for about 2 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with extra basil and serve immediately with your favorite side.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of heavy cream for a creamy version of the sauce.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute white wine with additional chicken broth and a splash of white wine vinegar.
- Best served with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.