Succulent Cod in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce

Succulent Cod in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce 🍽️🐟

This Succulent Cod in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce is a light yet flavorful dish that highlights the delicate taste of cod while infusing it with rich, savory notes from tomatoes, garlic, basil, and a hint of white wine. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this recipe comes together quickly and impresses every time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

The combination of tender cod fillets cooked gently in a fragrant sauce made with fresh basil, aromatic garlic, and zesty white wine creates a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce or pair it with rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
2 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves , minced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
½ cup dry white wine
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ cup fresh basil , chopped
1 tbsp butter
Lemon wedges , for serving

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce Base

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds , stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Pour in the white wine , scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir for 1 minute to reduce slightly.
Add the diced tomatoes , red pepper flakes , salt , and black pepper . Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 5 minutes , allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Cook the Cod

Gently place the cod fillets into the simmering sauce, ensuring they’re fully submerged or lightly coated.
Cover the skillet and cook for 8–10 minutes , depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 4: Finish the Dish

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the butter and fresh basil , letting them melt and combine into the sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Serve

Divide the cod fillets among plates, spooning the creamy tomato-basil sauce generously over each portion.
Garnish with lemon wedges and serve alongside crusty bread or a side of rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Tips for Success:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and high-quality canned tomatoes make all the difference in achieving a vibrant, flavorful sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Fish: Cod cooks quickly; remove it from the heat as soon as it flakes easily with a fork to avoid drying out.
Substitute the Wine (If Needed): If you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute the white wine with an equal amount of chicken broth or additional tomato juice.
Add Vegetables: For added nutrition and color, toss in some sliced cherry tomatoes, spinach, or bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking.

Nutritional Information:

Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: ~300–350 (depending on the size of the fillets and optional add-ins)

Why It’s Perfect Anytime:

This dish strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication. The cod remains moist and flaky, while the sauce delivers layers of flavor with its bright citrus notes, earthy herbs, and subtle warmth from the red pepper flakes. Whether served for a casual dinner or dressed up for guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit!

So grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and enjoy this delightful seafood creation. Bon appétit! 🍲✨