Pan-Seared Cod with Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Pan-Seared Cod with Garlic Cream Sauce is a delightful dish that combines tender, flaky fish with a rich and flavorful sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets (6 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Step 3: Carefully add the seasoned cod fillets to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
5. Step 5: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low and slowly add the heavy cream, stirring constantly until combined.
7. Step 7: Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
8. Step 8: Return the seared cod fillets to the skillet and spoon the garlic cream sauce over the fish. Allow it to heat through for another 2 minutes.
9. Step 9: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
10. Step 10: Transfer the cod and sauce to a serving platter. Serve with lemon wedges.

Tips & Variations

• For a dairy-free option, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use vegetable broth.
• Use fresh parsley or substitute with dill or chives for a different herbal note.
• If cod is unavailable, try the recipe with other firm white fish like haddock or halibut.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from separating. Avoid microwaving when possible for best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cod fillets. Make sure to fully thaw them and pat dry before seasoning and cooking to ensure even searing and to avoid excess moisture.

What can I serve with Pan-Seared Cod with Garlic Cream Sauce?

This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

Pan-Seared Cod with Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 86 reviews

A delicate and flavorful Pan-Seared Cod recipe featuring tender cod fillets cooked to golden perfection and served with a rich, creamy garlic sauce. This dish combines the mild taste of cod with a luscious garlic cream sauce made from heavy cream and broth, garnished with fresh parsley and served with lemon wedges for a perfect balance of flavors.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fish

• 4 cod fillets (6 ounces each)

For Cooking

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Garlic Cream Sauce

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

Garnish & Serving

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, and paprika to enhance the flavor and color.
2. Heat the Oil: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Heat until the oil is shimmering but not smoking, preparing the pan for searing the fish.
3. Sear the Fish: Carefully add the seasoned cod fillets to the hot skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until the fillets turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove the cod from the pan and set aside on a plate.
4. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Be cautious to avoid burning the garlic, which can create a bitter taste.
5. Add Liquids: Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the skillet. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer while scraping the browned bits off the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to incorporate all the flavor.
6. Stir in Cream: Reduce the heat to low. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly, ensuring the sauce becomes smooth and well combined.
7. Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce cook gently for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
8. Combine Cod and Sauce: Return the seared cod fillets to the skillet. Spoon the garlic cream sauce over the fish to coat evenly. Warm through for another 2 minutes so the flavors meld together.
9. Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the cod for a burst of color and freshness.
10. Serve: Transfer the cod and garlic cream sauce to a serving platter. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side to brighten the dish’s flavors.

Notes

• Patting the cod dry before seasoning is essential to get a nice sear.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it a bit longer to reduce further.
• You can substitute the cod with other white fish like haddock or tilapia.
• Use vegetable broth to keep it pescatarian.
• Serving with steamed vegetables or rice pairs well with this dish.

Keywords: Pan-Seared Cod, Garlic Cream Sauce, Fish Recipe, Easy Seafood, Creamy Garlic Sauce, Cod Fillets