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Pan-Seared Cod with Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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