Description
Mediterranean coastal charm shines through this succulent cod in white wine tomato basil sauce, offering a delicate dance of oceanic flavors. Fresh ingredients and elegant simplicity promise a restaurant-quality meal that transports you directly to an Italian seaside kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces or 170 grams each)
- 1 pint (473 milliliters) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) dry white wine
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Cooking Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare a large skillet by warming olive oil over medium heat, ensuring even temperature distribution.
- Season cod fillets with salt and pepper, creating a delicate flavor base.
- Carefully place fillets in the hot skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown exterior and perfectly cooked interior.
- Transfer cod to a separate plate, keeping warm and preserving its delicate texture.
- In the same skillet, introduce minced garlic, sautéing quickly to release its aromatic essence.
- Add cherry tomatoes, allowing them to soften and slightly burst, creating a rustic sauce foundation.
- Deglaze the pan by pouring white wine, creating a simmer that helps integrate the cooking flavors for approximately 2 minutes.
- Incorporate fresh basil and red pepper flakes, enhancing the sauce’s complexity and providing a subtle heat.
- Adjust the sauce’s seasoning with additional salt and pepper to balance the flavors.
- Gently return cod fillets to the skillet, coating them with the fragrant sauce and reheating for 2 minutes.
- Plate the fish immediately, accompanied by bright lemon wedges to add a citrusy freshness.
Notes
- Swap cod for other delicate white fish like halibut or tilapia to suit different taste preferences or availability.
- Reduce wine for a lighter sauce or add cream for a richer, more indulgent texture that coats the fish beautifully.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat level, making the dish mild for kids or spicier for heat lovers.
- Consider gluten-free and low-carb diets by ensuring all ingredients are naturally free from wheat and serving with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional sides.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg