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Pan-Seared Cod with Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 142 reviews

This Pan-Seared Cod with Garlic Cream Sauce recipe delivers tender, flaky cod fillets enveloped in a luscious, savory garlic cream sauce. The fish is perfectly seared to golden brown perfection before being smothered in a rich sauce made from garlic, heavy cream, and broth, enhanced by a touch of paprika and finished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for brightness. Ideal for an elegant yet straightforward seafood dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish

  • 4 cod fillets (6 ounces each)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

Garnish and Serving

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, and paprika to enhance the flavor.
  2. Heat the Oil: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Heat until shimmering, indicating the oil is hot and ready for searing the fish.
  3. Sear the Fish: Carefully place the seasoned cod fillets into the hot skillet. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes until the fillets develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Once done, remove the cod from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn it, which would cause bitterness.
  5. Add Liquids: Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the skillet, bringing it to a gentle simmer while scraping up any browned bits from the skillet’s bottom to incorporate extra flavor into the sauce.
  6. Stir in Cream: Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring constantly to combine the ingredients smoothly and begin building the creamy sauce.
  7. Simmer the Sauce: Let the mixture simmer gently for approximately 5 minutes so it thickens slightly. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed for balanced flavor.
  8. Combine Cod and Sauce: Return the seared cod fillets back into the skillet, spooning the garlic cream sauce over them. Allow the fish to warm through in the sauce for another 2 minutes.
  9. Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
  10. Serve: Transfer the cod fillets with the creamy garlic sauce onto a serving platter. Accompany with lemon wedges to squeeze over the fish just before eating for added brightness.

Notes

  • For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use vegetable broth.
  • Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when searing to ensure a crisp, golden crust on the fish.
  • You can swap cod with other firm white fish like haddock or halibut.
  • Lemon wedges add a nice acidic contrast; don’t skip this garnish for balanced flavor.
  • Leftover sauce can be refrigerated and used over pasta or roasted vegetables.

Keywords: pan-seared cod, garlic cream sauce, seafood recipe, easy cod recipe, creamy fish dish, skillet fish, quick dinner

Find it online: https://recipeswithmia.com/pan-seared-cod-with-garlic-cream-sauce-recipe/