Whenever I’m on the hunt for a dish that’s both quick and delicious, I find myself gravitating towards this pan-seared cod with creamy avocado sauce. The cod, crisped to golden perfection in just minutes, pairs beautifully with the smooth, rich sauce—it’s like a dance of flavors on your tongue. Plus, who doesn’t love a meal that’s fuss-free yet feels like a hug on a plate?
Steps
- Prepare the Avocado Cream Sauce by blending avocado, lime juice, cilantro, jalapenos, garlic, cumin, salt, pepper, and sour cream until smooth. Set aside in the refrigerator until needed.
- In a shallow dish, mix together flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Coat the cod fillets lightly with this mixture, ensuring all sides are covered.
- Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and fragrant, carefully add the cod fillets to the pan.
- Cook the cod for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Ensure the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork to confirm it is cooked through.
- Once cooked, transfer the cod fillets to a serving plate. Generously spoon the avocado cream sauce over the top and serve immediately.
Ingredients
- 2 cod fillets, skinless, each weighing 6-8 ounces
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large avocado
- ½ medium lime, juiced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 medium jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup sour cream
FAQ
- How can I prevent the fish from sticking to the pan?
- To avoid the fish sticking to the pan, ensure your fillets are thoroughly dried with paper towels before cooking. Using a non-stick pan or a cast iron skillet with evenly distributed heat can also help.
- What is the ideal temperature to cook cod?
- For perfectly cooked cod, the internal temperature should reach 145 °F. You can check this with a meat thermometer.
- How do I know when the cod is fully cooked without a thermometer?
- You can use the fork test: the fish should appear opaque and easily flake apart when nudged with a fork. Additionally, apply the 10-minute rule: cook the fish for 10 minutes per inch of thickness, turning halfway through.
- What can I do with leftover avocado cream sauce?
- The avocado cream sauce is versatile and can be used as a dip for vegetables or tortilla chips, or as a topping for other seafood dishes.
- Can I substitute any ingredient in the avocado cream sauce for a different flavor?
- Yes, you can adjust the ingredients in the avocado cream sauce to suit your taste. For instance, you might swap lime juice for lemon juice or add more or fewer jalapenos depending on your spice preference.
Tips
- Dry the Fish Thoroughly: Before frying, ensure you rinse and pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for helping the coating adhere properly and preventing the fish from steaming instead of searing.
- Heat Control is Key: Use medium-high heat and wait until the oil is hot before adding the fish. You can test this by the scent of the oil or seeing it shimmer. If it overheats and smokes, remove the pan from heat to cool slightly.
- Choose the Right Pan: Opt for a non-stick pan or a cast iron skillet to prevent the fish from sticking and breaking apart. A cast iron skillet is ideal as it provides even heating and better browning.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the fish’s internal temperature reaches 145°F, or apply the fork test. The fish should flake easily and appear opaque when done. Alternatively, follow the 10-minute rule, cooking for 10 minutes per inch of thickness, turning halfway through.
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet – Preferred for uniform heating and creating a crispy crust on the cod.
- Meat Thermometer – Useful for ensuring the fish reaches the correct internal temperature of 145°F.
- Blender – Required for making the avocado cream sauce until smooth.
