By Pan-Seared Cod in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce is a comfort-food classic made simpler for home cooks. With everyday ingredients and reliable technique, it delivers big flavor with little effort.
Pan-Seared Cod in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce captures the essence of drinks while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Pan-Seared Cod in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
For the White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce:
2 tablespoons (28ml) olive oil
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
3 large cloves of garlic, finely minced
1 pint juicy cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
¼ cup (57ml) dry white wine
½ cup fresh basil, finely chopped
2 tablespoons (28ml) fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon fresh lemon zest
½ teaspoon salt (more to taste)
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (more to taste)
For the Cod:
2 tablespoons (28ml) olive oil
1 ½ pounds fresh cod, cut into 4 fillets
Salt and pepper
PREPARATION STEPS
For the White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce:
In a large sauté pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add crushed red pepper flakes and minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, or until garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Add the cherry tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and blistering, but still hold their shape, about 8 to 12 minutes.
3
Pour in the white wine, stir, and allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer
Stir in the chopped basil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, sugar, and black pepper
Cook for an additional 2 minutes
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Transfer the sauce into a bowl and set aside until needed.
For the Cod:
Heat olive oil in a large nonstick pan or skillet over medium heat. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the cod with salt and pepper.
2
Place the cod in the hot oil and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes
Carefully flip the cod over and continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until it’s cooked through.
Pour the prepared white wine tomato basil sauce over the cod fillets in the skillet. Allow the sauce to warm up for a minute, then remove from heat.
Serve the Pan-Seared Cod in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce immediately.
Prep Time: 15 min
Cooking Time: 25 min
Total Time: 40 min
Servings: 4
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 0 min | Total: 10 min | Servings: 2 | Calories: ~150 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Breakfast pastries; Light snacks; Fruit salad
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
