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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 is a quick and easy dish featuring crispy, tender cod fillets paired with a smoky, nutty, and vibrant Romesco sauce made from roasted red peppers, nuts, garlic, and smoked paprika. Ready in under 30 minutes, this nutritious and elegant recipe brings a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish

  • 4 fresh cod fillets (about 6 oz each), thick and firm
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)

Romesco Sauce

  • 2 roasted red peppers (fresh roasted or jarred)
  • 1/4 cup toasted almonds
  • 1/4 cup toasted hazelnuts
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Optional: chili flakes, to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Optional: lemon zest
  • Optional: extra chopped almonds or chili flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Romesco Sauce: Roast red peppers if using fresh, or use jarred roasted peppers to save time. Toast almonds and hazelnuts gently in a dry pan until aromatic. In a blender or food processor, combine the nuts, roasted peppers, garlic, smoked paprika, sherry vinegar, and olive oil. Blend until smooth but still slightly textured. Season with salt and optional chili flakes at the end.
  2. Pat and Season the Cod: Pat cod fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispiness. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Pan Seared Cod Perfection: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once shimmering, place cod fillets skin-side down (if skin on) and cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes until edges are opaque and skin is crispy. Carefully flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fish is cooked through but still moist and flaky.
  4. Plate and Serve: Spoon a generous amount of Romesco sauce on each plate. Gently place the pan-seared cod on top. Garnish with fresh parsley, lemon zest, or extra chopped almonds. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy cod paired with the vibrant sauce.

Notes

  • Dry the fish thoroughly before searing to achieve maximum crispiness.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed to maintain high heat and a perfect sear.
  • Let cod sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for even heat distribution.
  • Toast nuts gently to avoid burning and bitterness.
  • Taste and adjust vinegar and seasoning in Romesco sauce for a balanced, vibrant flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: pan seared cod, romesco sauce, seafood recipe, quick dinner, healthy fish recipe, smoky sauce

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