Go Back Email Link

Pan-Fried Cod in Tomato Basil Sauce

Course dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

For the Tomato Basil Sauce

  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, cut in half
  • 1/4 cup white wine (I used Pinot Grigio)
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • zest of one lemon
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • salt and pepper to taste

For the Cod

  • 1-2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cod filets
  • 1 cup Bottled Italian Salad Dressing
  • salt and pepper

Instructions
 

For the Tomato Basil Sauce

  • Heat oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add crushed red pepper flakes and garlic and sauté for 1 minute, or until garlic is fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook, stirring or tossing occasionally, until they're soft and blistered, but still hold their shape, about 10 minutes depending on the size of your tomatoes. Add in the white wine, and allow to reduce. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper to taste and simmer for a couple of minutes. Add the basil. Transfer the sauce into a bowl and set aside. (if you are making the sauce ahead and will not be using soon, don't add the basil until you are serving)

For the Cod

  • If the cod is fresh not frozen, place in a pan and add the Italian Dressing. Place in the refrigerator for at least an our up to 4 hours. If the cod is frozen and you are cooking it the same day remove from the freezer, place in a pan with the Italian Dressing and allow to sit at room temperature until the cod begins to thaw. At that time place in the refrigerator and allow to completely thaw. If you planned ahead, you can place the frozen cod with the Italian Dressing in the refrigerator overnight.
    Heat the oil in a large nonstick sauté pan over medium heat. Remove the cod from the Italian Dressing and pat dry. Season both sides of cod with salt and pepper. Place cod in the oil and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side.
  • If you are serving with my rice pilaf, place a serving of the rice on a plate, top with the cod, then top with the tomato basil sauce, dividing among all 4 plates or two if you are making 2 servings with this recipe.
Keyword cod, pan-fried cod, pan-fried cod in tomato basil sauce