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Pan Seared Cod with Romesco Sauce

Pan Seared Cod with Romesco Sauce
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Pan Seared Cod with Romesco Sauce features tender, flaky cod with a perfectly crispy skin paired with a vibrant, smoky Romesco sauce made from roasted red peppers, nuts, and fresh herbs. This elegant yet simple dish is healthy, versatile, and packed with bold, balanced flavors – ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cod:

  • 4 fresh cod fillets (6 ounces each), firm and thick
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Romesco Sauce:

  • 2 cups roasted red peppers (freshly roasted or jarred, drained)
  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1/2 small onion, roughly chopped
  • 1/3 cup toasted almonds or hazelnuts
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
  • Salt, to taste

For Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Additional toasted nuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Romesco Sauce: Roast fresh red peppers until charred, then peel and drain, or use well-drained jarred roasted red peppers. In a blender or food processor, combine roasted red peppers, garlic, toasted nuts, smoked paprika, olive oil, and vinegar. Blend until smooth, thick, and vibrant in color. Season with salt to taste.
  2. Season and Dry the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor and help create a golden crust.
  3. Pan Sear the Cod: Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the cod fillets skin-side down carefully without crowding the pan. Sear without moving for about 4 to 5 minutes until the skin is deeply golden and crispy. Gently flip and cook the other side until the fish is opaque and flakes easily, about 2 to 3 minutes more.
  4. Plate and Serve: Spoon a generous amount of Romesco sauce onto each plate. Place the seared cod fillets on top of the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional toasted nuts if desired. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Pat the fish dry before searing to achieve the crispiest skin.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure each fillet cooks evenly and develops a crisp crust.
  • Use fresh roasted peppers and high-quality olive oil for the best Romesco sauce flavor.
  • Maintain medium-high heat to avoid burning the fish or sauce.
  • The Romesco sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for a few hours or up to 2 days for deeper flavor.
  • Leftover cod and sauce should be stored separately in airtight containers and consumed within 2 days.
  • Reheat cod gently in a low oven or skillet, and warm the sauce on the stove or microwave while stirring occasionally.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pan Seared Cod, Romesco Sauce, Crispy Fish, Roasted Red Pepper Sauce, Healthy Seafood Recipe, Gluten Free Fish Dish

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/pan-seared-cod-with-romesco-sauce/