Pan-Seared Cod with Garlic Butter Sauce A Delicate Delight

Pan-Seared Cod with Garlic Butter Sauce: A Delicate Delight

Introduction

Pan-seared cod with garlic butter sauce over mashed potatoes is a dish that delivers both on flavor and elegance. Perfect for a dinner party or a quiet meal at home, this dish combines the mild, flaky texture of cod with a rich and aromatic garlic butter sauce, all served atop creamy mashed potatoes. This recipe will guide you through creating this delightful meal, sure to impress with its simplicity and sophistication.

Ingredients

• For the Cod:
  • 4 cod fillets, about 6 ounces each
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Mashed Potatoes:
  • 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preparing the Mashed Potatoes:

1. Cook Potatoes: Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 20 minutes.
2. Mash: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter and milk, mashing until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and keep warm.

Cooking the Cod:

3. Season the Fillets: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
4. Pan Sear: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cod, skin side down, and cook for about 4 minutes until the skin is crisp. Flip the fillets, add butter to the pan, and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily.

Making the Garlic Butter Sauce:

5. Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the additional butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
6. Finish Sauce: Add lemon juice and parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine and simmer for an additional minute to meld the flavors.

Conclusion

This pan-seared cod with garlic butter sauce served over mashed potatoes is a dish that beautifully balances delicate flavors and textures. The buttery, garlicky sauce complements the light, flaky cod, while the smooth, creamy potatoes provide a comforting base. It’s a recipe that is not only satisfying but also a visual and gustatory pleasure, making it perfect for any occasion that calls for a special meal.