This Cod in White Wine Sauce is a simple, yet elegant dish made with tender, flaky cod swimming in a flavorful white wine sauce. It’s quick to prepare, and the result is a dish that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant.
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Why This Recipe Stands Out
We all love a good fish recipe, and this Cod in White Wine Sauce is a stand-out dish. Here's why this recipe works:
- Simple and Quick: This recipe uses simple ingredients and takes only 20 minutes to make, making it a go-to for a quick weeknight dinner just like our Cod Piccata.
- Healthy: Cod is a lean, white fish that's packed with protein and low in fat. It's a great option for a healthy, balanced meal.
- Impressive: The white wine sauce in this recipe is restaurant-quality, making it a perfect dish for a special occasion or a romantic dinner at home just like our Cajun Shrimp.
- Versatile: While this recipe uses cod, you can easily switch it out for other white fish like haddock or grouper, giving you plenty of options to choose from.
Key Ingredients
- Cod Fillets – The star of our dish, the cod fillets, are mild in flavor and have a flaky, tender texture that makes them perfect for soaking up the delicious white wine sauce.
- Dry White Wine – We use half a cup of dry white wine to deglaze the pan and add a fruity, acidic note to the sauce. It also helps to tenderize the cod fillets.
- Heavy Cream – Three-fourth of a cup of heavy cream provides a rich, velvety base for our sauce. It helps to mellow out the acidity of the wine and adds a luxurious texture to the dish.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are some of our favorite variations and substitutions:
- Fish: While this recipe calls for cod, feel free to substitute it with any other firm white fish such as haddock, grouper, or sea bass.
- Shallots: If you don’t have shallots on hand, finely chopped onions can be used as a substitute.
- White Wine: If you prefer not to use wine, you can replace it with chicken or vegetable broth.
- Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half and half. It won't be as creamy, but it will still be delicious.
- Parsley: Don't have parsley? Try using fresh dill or chives instead.
How to Make Cod in White Wine Sauce
Step 1: Simmer shallots and wine over medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes until reduced to 1-2 tablespoons.
Step 2: Add cream, butter, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. Remove from heat, stir in parsley.
Step 3: Season cod with salt, and pepper, and dredge in flour.
Step 4: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (you can use parchment paper to prevent sticking).
Step 5: Cook cod 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Step 6: Serve cod over white wine sauce and enjoy.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
What to Serve with Cod in White Wine Sauce
Vegetables
- Asparagus, green beans, or broccoli are all great options to serve with cod in white wine sauce. They can be steamed, roasted, or sauté and will complement the flavors of the fish and the sauce.
- A fresh salad can be a great way to balance out a rich dish like cod in white wine sauce. Try a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing, or a Mediterranean-style salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives.
Potatoes
- Potatoes are a classic side dish for fish, and they work well with this recipe too. You can try serving the cod with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or even some crispy potato wedges.
Rice and Grains
- Rice and couscous are both great options to serve with cod in white wine sauce. They can soak up the delicious sauce and make your meal more filling.
- If you want to add some extra nutrients to your meal, you can try serving the cod with quinoa or farro. These grains have a nutty flavor that can complement the fish nicely.
- A crusty baguette or some homemade focaccia can be perfect for soaking up the extra white wine sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
We recommend using a dry white wine for this recipe. A Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay would all work well. You don't need to buy an expensive bottle, just something you would enjoy drinking.
Yes, you can use frozen cod fillets for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. This will help to ensure that they sear properly and don't end up too watery.
Cooked fish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, it can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Recipe
Cod in White Wine Sauce
Ingredients
- 4 16 (oz) cod fillets about 4 oz each
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 shallots finely chopped
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon parsley chopped
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add shallots and wine to a small pan and simmer on a medium low heat for 10-12 minutes until the wine reduces to about 1-2 tablespoons.
- Add heavy cream, butter, lemon juice, ¼ teaspoons of salt, and ¼ teaspoons of black pepper. Whisk the sauce until it’s creamy and smooth. Remove it from the heat and stir in parsley.
- Meanwhile, season each cod fillet with ¼ teaspoons of salt and ⅛ teaspoons of pepper, then dredge in flour, shaking off the excess.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. To prevent the fish from sticking, you can lay a piece of parchment paper on the bottom of the skillet.
- Place cod in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 145F.
- Transfer cod to a plate.
- To serve - pour a generous amount of the white wine sauce onto a serving plate. Place the seared cod on top. Serve immediately.
Notes
- The cod fillets should be patted dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps the flour to stick and also prevents the fish from steaming rather than browning when it hits the skillet.
- When reducing the wine and shallots, keep an eye on the pan. You want the liquid to reduce significantly, but be careful not to let it completely evaporate.
- Use a dry, crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for the sauce. These wines complement the delicate flavor of the cod without overpowering it.
Nutrition
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Iryna Bychkiv is the founder and writer of the culinary website Lavender & Macarons, where she shares clean, European-inspired recipes that are delicious, easy to prepare, and made with wholesome ingredients. Iryna loves creating meals that are simple yet healthy and unique, including vegan and vegetarian recipes.
Iryna is also a freelance writer for MSN and Associated Press Wire.
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