Pan-Seared Cod with Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe
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
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the cod for a burst of color and freshness.
- 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