Pan-Seared Cod

Hey fellow foodies! Tonight, we're diving into the world of simple elegance with a recipe that's guaranteed to impress: Pan-Seared Cod. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, but it's also sophisticated enough to serve to guests.

Cod is a mild, flaky fish that takes on flavors beautifully, and pan-searing it creates a gorgeous golden crust while keeping the inside tender and moist. Let's get cooking!

Yields: 2 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 (6-ounce) cod fillets, skin on or off (your preference)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 lemon, sliced (for garnish and optional squeezing)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a beautiful sear. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. If you want a bit of heat, sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
2. Heat the Pan: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. The pan should be hot but not smoking.
3. Sear the Cod: Carefully place the cod fillets in the hot skillet, presentation side down first. If using skin-on fillets, place them skin-side down. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
   • Tip: Avoid moving the fillets around too much while searing. This allows a nice crust to form.
4. Add Garlic and Herbs: Once you flip the cod, add the minced garlic to the pan. Cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the chopped parsley.
5. Finish with Lemon: Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the cod while it's still in the pan. Garnish with lemon slices before serving.
6. Serve: Serve the pan-seared cod immediately. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or creamy mashed potatoes.
   
   
   

Tips and Variations:

• Skin-on vs. Skin-off: Skin-on cod will result in a crispy skin, which is delicious. If you prefer skinless, that works too!
• Flavor Boost: For extra flavor, you can add a splash of white wine or a dollop of Dijon mustard to the pan after adding the garlic.
• Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme, dill, or chives.
• Sauce it up: A simple lemon butter sauce can be made by melting extra butter in the pan after the fish is removed, adding lemon juice, and whisking until emulsified.
• Check for doneness: Cod is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

This pan-seared cod recipe is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. Enjoy!

Don't forget to snap a picture of your culinary creation and share it with me! Happy cooking!