Print

Pan-Seared Cod with White Grape Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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