Easy Pan-Seared Cod in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe

Crisp summer evenings call for a delightful pan-seared cod that whispers Mediterranean charm and comfort.

Sunlight dances through kitchen windows while fresh ingredients await their culinary transformation.

Wine and tomatoes blend into a vibrant sauce that promises pure elegance.

Delicate fish meets robust flavors, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Ocean-fresh cod becomes the star of this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Fragrant basil leaves add a bright, herbaceous note that lifts every single bite.

You can recreate this restaurant-quality meal with just a few skillful techniques and love.

What Makes Pan-Seared Cod In White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce So Elegant

• Savor Quick Gourmet Cooking: Master a restaurant-quality dish in mere minutes with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques that transform ordinary cod into an impressive meal.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes, swap herbs like parsley for basil, or choose different white wines to suit personal taste preferences.
• Create One-Pan Magic: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using a single skillet for searing fish and developing a rich, flavorful sauce, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious yet stress-free meals.
• Impress Dinner Guests: Elevate weeknight dinners or special occasions with a sophisticated dish that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant, without requiring professional culinary skills.

Everything You’ll Need For Pan-Seared Cod In Tomato Basil Sauce

• Cod Fillets: A delicate white fish that provides a mild, flaky texture and absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully.

• White Wine: Adds depth and acidity to create a rich, sophisticated sauce base.
• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking medium and enhances overall flavor.

• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Bring warmth and subtle heat to the dish.
• Fresh Basil: Offers a bright, herbaceous note that complements the fish perfectly.
• Butter: Creates a silky, luxurious finish to the sauce.

• Diced Tomatoes: Add bright, tangy flavor and create body for the sauce.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the cod and sauce.

• Lemon Wedges: Provides a fresh, citrusy brightness to cut through the richness of the dish.

Steps To Cook Pan-Seared Cod With Tomato Basil Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Cod Fillets

Gently pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Sprinkle sea salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly over both sides of the fish, ensuring a light and consistent coating.

Step 2: Sear the Fish to Golden Perfection

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pour olive oil into the pan, creating a smooth, even layer.

Carefully place the seasoned cod fillets into the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms and the fish is thoroughly cooked.

Carefully transfer the cod to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Aromatic Base

Reduce the skillet heat to medium.

Add finely minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the same pan. Sauté the ingredients, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes wonderfully fragrant and slightly translucent.

Step 4: Deglaze with White Wine

Pour white wine into the skillet, allowing it to sizzle and bubble. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.

Let the wine simmer and reduce for about 2 minutes, concentrating its rich flavors.

Step 5: Create the Tomato Sauce

Add diced tomatoes with their juices to the skillet.

Stir gently and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow the sauce to cook and thicken for 5-7 minutes, developing a rich, robust flavor profile.

Step 6: Finish with Butter and Basil

• Cold butter
• Fresh basil leaves

Drop in the butter and stir until it melts completely. Tear the basil leaves and sprinkle them into the sauce, watching them wilt beautifully.

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.

Step 7: Reunite the Cod with the Sauce

Carefully return the seared cod fillets to the skillet.

Gently spoon the fragrant sauce over the fish. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes, allowing the fish to warm through and absorb the incredible flavors.

Step 8: Plate and Serve

Transfer the cod and sauce to serving plates. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges for a bright, citrusy finish.

Serve immediately while the dish is piping hot and bursting with flavor.

Chef Secrets For Pan-Seared Cod In Tomato Basil Sauce

• Choose fresh, high-quality cod for the best flavor and texture in this delicate dish.
• Pat the fish dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and crispy exterior.
• Control the heat carefully when searing to prevent overcooking the delicate cod fillets.
• Opt for a dry white wine like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to enhance the sauce's depth without overpowering the fish.
• Let the sauce simmer gently to develop rich flavors and allow the tomatoes to break down slightly, creating a more cohesive sauce.

Fresh Flavor Twists On Pan-Seared Cod In Tomato Basil Sauce

• Mediterranean Herb Cod: Replace white wine with chicken broth, add oregano and thyme to enhance Mediterranean flavors. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before serving.
• Spicy Coconut Cod: Swap white wine for coconut milk, add curry powder and ginger. Garnish with chopped cilantro and toasted coconut flakes for extra crunch.
• Provençal Cod: Use dry rosé wine instead of white wine, incorporate herbes de Provence and sun-dried tomatoes. Top with chopped kalamata olives for authentic French coastal taste.
• Asian-Inspired Cod: Replace white wine with mirin and soy sauce, add minced ginger and green onions. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds.

What Tastes Amazing With Pan-Seared Cod In Tomato Basil Sauce

• Pair with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Select a chilled, zesty white wine that complements the delicate cod and cuts through the rich tomato sauce with its bright acidity.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Create a perfect sidekick by toasting rustic bread with garlic and olive oil, ideal for soaking up the flavorful white wine tomato sauce.
• Match with Herbed Quinoa Pilaf: Craft a light, protein-packed side dish with fresh herbs like parsley and dill that echoes the basil in the sauce and provides a nutritious base for the fish.
• Complement with Mediterranean Salad: Toss together a simple salad with cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese, dressed in a light lemon vinaigrette that mirrors the citrusy notes of the dish.

Keep Pan-Seared Cod In Tomato Basil Sauce Delicious

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cod and sauce in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days, ensuring the fish stays fresh and flavorful.
• Microwave Reheating: Place cod and sauce in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring sauce halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
• Stovetop Reheating: Gently warm cod in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of white wine or water to prevent sticking and maintain moisture. Carefully warm for 3-4 minutes, turning fish once to prevent overcooking.
• Freezing Option: Freeze sauce separately from cod in freezer-safe containers. Label with date and contents.

Pan-Seared Cod In Tomato Basil Sauce – Your Top Questions

• What type of white wine works best for this recipe?

Use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines add brightness and acidity without overpowering the delicate cod flavor.

• Can I use frozen cod instead of fresh?

Yes, thaw frozen cod completely before cooking. Pat the fish dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and ensure a good sear.

• How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?

The cod is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.

• Is it necessary to use red pepper flakes?

No, you can omit red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder sauce or don’t like spicy food. The dish will still have great flavor from the other ingredients.

Pan-Seared Cod in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delightful Pan-Seared Cod in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce brings Mediterranean coastal charm to your dinner table. Flaky cod nestles in a zesty sauce, promising a luxurious meal that whisks you straight to Italy’s sun-kissed shores.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 cod fillets (6 ounces each)

Main Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon butter

Herbs, Spices, and Seasonings:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt
• Pepper

Garnish:

• Fresh lemon wedges

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Instructions

1. Generously coat cod fillets with salt and pepper, ensuring even seasoning on both surfaces.
2. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil until shimmering. Carefully place cod fillets and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, developing a golden-brown crust and ensuring complete cooking. Transfer fish to a warm plate.
3. Reduce skillet heat to medium and introduce minced garlic and red pepper flakes, releasing their aromatic essence for approximately 60 seconds.
4. Deglaze the pan with white wine, using a wooden spoon to extract caramelized remnants from the skillet’s bottom. Allow liquid to reduce by half, concentrating flavors.
5. Incorporate diced tomatoes with their natural juices, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce develop and thicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Introduce butter and freshly chopped basil, gently stirring until butter melts completely and herbs release their fragrance. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.
7. Nestle seared cod back into the skillet, delicately coating each fillet with the vibrant sauce. Warm fish through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
8. Present the cod elegantly, drizzled with sauce and accompanied by bright lemon wedges for a citrusy finish.

Notes

• Ensure cod is patted dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent excess moisture.
• Use fresh, high-quality white fish like halibut or sea bass as alternative protein options for those with cod allergies or preferences.
• Choose a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the sauce’s brightness and complement the delicate fish flavor.
• For a low-carb and gluten-free version, skip deglazing with wine and substitute with fish stock or extra lemon juice to maintain sauce depth and acidity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg