Name: Pan-Seared Cod with White Grape Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 large cloves garlic, minced; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup white grape juice; 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; Salt to taste; Pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 and 1/2 pounds fresh cod, cut into fillets; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)

Introduction

This Pan-Seared Cod in White Grape Juice Tomato Basil Sauce is a fresh and flavorful dish that brings bright, tangy notes to tender fish. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special without much fuss.

The image shows three pieces of thick white fish fillets, each with a grilled, golden brown crust on the top surface. The fish is placed in a shallow pool of shiny, golden oil mixed with herbs and spices. On top of each piece of fish, there are small bright red cherry tomatoes, some sliced in half, with fresh green chopped herbs sprinkled over the dish. The food is served in a white bowl, sitting on a white marbled surface. The colors are warm and vibrant, emphasizing juicy, cooked textures and fresh herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 large cloves garlic, minced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup white grape juice
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 and 1/2 pounds fresh cod, cut into fillets
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 2: Add halved cherry tomatoes and white grape juice to the pan. Simmer for about 5 minutes until tomatoes soften.
Step 3: Stir in chopped basil and fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper, then cook the sauce until slightly thickened, around 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: In another pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season cod fillets with salt and pepper, then cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Serve the seared cod topped with the warm tomato basil sauce.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic while sautéing.
If fresh basil isn’t available, substitute with 1 teaspoon dried basil added with the lemon juice.
White grape juice adds sweetness and acidity; if unavailable, use white wine or apple juice as a substitute.
Serve with crusty bread or over cooked rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent the fish from drying out. The sauce can also be warmed separately and poured over reheated cod.

How to Serve

The image shows three pieces of cooked white fish fillets with light golden grill marks, each topped with a mix of halved red and yellow cherry tomatoes and chopped green herbs. The fish sits in a shallow pool of glossy, golden-brown sauce with visible herbs and tomato seeds, all contained in a white bowl. The tomatoes have a shiny, juicy texture, and the herbs sprinkle the fish and sauce evenly. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod fillets for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture and uneven searing.

What if I don’t have white grape juice on hand?

You can substitute white grape juice with dry white wine or apple juice for a similar balance of sweetness and acidity in the sauce.

Pan-Seared Cod with White Grape Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 93 reviews

This Pan-Seared Cod in White Grape Juice Tomato Basil Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful seafood dish featuring tender cod fillets seared to golden perfection and topped with a fresh, lightly sweetened tomato basil sauce enhanced by white grape juice and fresh lemon. It’s a simple yet elegant meal perfect for a healthy dinner option that brings together the bright flavors of Mediterranean-inspired ingredients.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Sauce Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 large cloves garlic, minced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup white grape juice
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
1 teaspoon sugar

Fish Ingredients

1 and 1/2 pounds fresh cod, cut into fillets
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)

Instructions

Prepare the sauce base: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, then sauté until fragrant to release the aromatic flavors.
Cook the tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and 1/4 cup white grape juice to the pan. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes to soften the tomatoes and blend the flavors.
Finish the sauce: Stir in the chopped fresh basil, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Continue cooking until the sauce has slightly thickened and all ingredients are well combined.
Pan-sear the cod: In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the cod fillets generously with salt and pepper. Place them in the hot pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.
Serve: Plate the seared cod fillets and generously spoon the warm white grape juice tomato basil sauce over the top. Serve immediately for best taste.

Notes

Use fresh cod fillets for the best texture and flavor.
Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
If white grape juice is unavailable, you can substitute with white wine or apple juice for a slightly different flavor profile.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad to complement the dish.
Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the cod fillets.

Keywords: Pan-seared cod, tomato basil sauce, white grape juice, seafood recipe, healthy cod recipe, easy fish dinner, Mediterranean seafood