Description
Pan-Seared Cod with Asparagus
Ingredients:
3 cod fillets
1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions:
1. Season the Cod:
Pat cod fillets dry with a paper towel. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley on both sides.
2. Cook the Asparagus:
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add asparagus and sauté for 3-5 minutes until tender. Remove and set aside.
3. Sear the Cod:
In the same skillet, heat remaining olive oil and butter. Add cod fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
4. Make the Garlic Butter:
Reduce heat to low, add minced garlic, and cook for 1 minute. Squeeze lemon juice over the fish and stir.
5. Serve:
Plate cod fillets with asparagus and drizzle with garlic butter sauce. Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide
For perfect results, follow these detailed steps. First, ensure your cod fillets are of even thickness; if one end is very thin, fold it under for even cooking. After patting them dry, let the seasoned fish sit for 5 minutes at room temperature. When cooking the asparagus, don’t overcrowd the skillet to ensure it sears instead of steaming. For the cod, wait until the oil and butter mixture is hot and shimmering before adding the fillets. They should sizzle immediately. Do not move them for the first 3 minutes to develop a golden crust. When flipping, use a thin, flexible spatula. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F internally.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with several sides. For a light meal, serve it over a bed of lemon-herb quinoa or orzo pasta. To make it more substantial, add roasted baby potatoes or a creamy risotto. A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the flavors perfectly. Garnish with fresh parsley, lemon zest, or a sprinkle of capers for an extra burst of flavor.
How-to Summary
In brief, this recipe involves: 1) Seasoning cod fillets with paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper. 2) Sautéing asparagus in olive oil until tender and setting aside. 3) Pan-searing the cod in olive oil and butter for 3-4 minutes per side. 4) Creating a simple sauce by cooking garlic in the same pan and adding lemon juice. 5) Serving the cod and asparagus drizzled with the garlic butter sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cod fillets? Yes, but they must be fully thawed in the refrigerator overnight. Pat them exceptionally dry to remove all moisture for a proper sear.
What can I substitute for asparagus? Green beans, broccolini, or zucchini noodles are excellent alternatives. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
How do I know the cod is cooked perfectly? The fish should be opaque throughout and flake easily with a fork. An instant-read thermometer should read 145°F (63°C).
My butter is burning. What should I do? If the butter browns too quickly, reduce the heat immediately. You can add a bit more olive oil to cool the pan. Using clarified butter can also prevent burning.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? It’s best served fresh. However, you can trim the asparagus and make the seasoning mix ahead. Reheating cooked cod can make it rubbery.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Drying the Fish: Excess moisture will steam the fish instead of creating a sear.
- Overcrowding the Pan: This lowers the pan’s temperature, leading to soggy fish and asparagus.
- Overcooking the Cod: Cod cooks quickly and becomes dry if left on the heat too long. Follow the timing closely.
- Adding Garlic Too Early: Adding garlic with the fish will cause it to burn. Always add it at the end on low heat.
- Using High Heat: Medium heat is ideal for a controlled sear without burning the butter.
Conclusion
This pan-seared cod with asparagus is a testament to how simple ingredients can create an elegant and healthy meal. The method highlights the cod’s delicate flavor with a golden crust, complemented by the fresh, tender asparagus and a bright garlic-lemon sauce. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can consistently achieve a restaurant-quality dish at home. It’s a perfect, quick recipe for a nutritious weeknight dinner that feels special enough for guests.