Pan-Seared Cod with Garlic Cream Sauce over Sautéed Spinach

This Pan-Seared Cod with Garlic Cream Sauce over Sautéed Spinach is a perfect combination of light, flaky fish, rich cream sauce, and fresh greens. It’s a quick yet elegant dish that’s both satisfying and healthy, making it an ideal meal for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a dinner for two or a small gathering, this recipe will deliver on flavor and presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The cod fillets are perfectly pan-seared to a golden-brown finish, giving you a crispy exterior and a tender, flaky interior. The garlic cream sauce adds a rich, velvety finish, complementing the fish without overpowering it. Paired with the sautéed spinach, which adds a vibrant and healthy touch to the dish, you have a meal that feels indulgent yet light. It’s a simple, quick recipe that comes together in just 25 minutes but tastes like a restaurant-quality dish.

Ingredients

For the Cod:

• 2 cod fillets (about 170–200g each)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp butter

For the Garlic Cream Sauce:

• 1 tbsp butter

• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives or parsley

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Spinach:

• 3 cups fresh baby spinach

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• Pinch of salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Cod:

Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Season both sides of the fillets with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

2. Sear the Cod:

Heat the olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the cod fillets to the skillet. Sear the fillets for about 3–4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden-brown and cooked through. The fish should easily flake when tested with a fork. Remove the fillets from the skillet and set them aside.

3. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce:

In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard (if using), and let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, stir in the chopped fresh chives or parsley for added freshness and color.

4. Sauté the Spinach:

In a separate pan, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the fresh spinach and cook, stirring frequently, until the spinach wilts down. Season with a pinch of salt to taste.

5. Assemble the Dish:

To serve, place a bed of sautéed spinach on each plate. Top with a seared cod fillet and spoon the garlic cream sauce generously over the fish.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

• Servings: 2–3 servings

Storage/Reheating

If you have any leftovers, store the cod, sauce, and spinach separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the cod and spinach in a pan over low heat, and reheat the garlic cream sauce in a small saucepan until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fish instead of cod?

Yes, you can substitute cod with other white fish like halibut, tilapia, or bass. Make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the fish fillets.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, you can substitute the butter and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives such as olive oil and coconut milk or a dairy-free cream.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the garlic cream sauce and sauté the spinach in advance. When you’re ready to serve, quickly sear the fish and reheat the sauce and spinach.

Can I add more vegetables to the spinach?

Yes! You can add other vegetables like roasted bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sautéed spinach to increase the dish’s nutritional value and flavor complexity.

How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?

Cod cooks fairly quickly, and it’s done when it’s opaque and flakes easily with a fork. A general guideline is to cook it for 3–4 minutes on each side, but the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.

Can I use frozen cod?

Yes, you can use frozen cod fillets, but be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even cooking.

Can I use a different herb instead of chives or parsley?

Yes, you can use other fresh herbs such as basil, thyme, or dill, depending on your preference. Each will add its own distinct flavor to the dish.

Conclusion

Pan-Seared Cod with Garlic Cream Sauce over Sautéed Spinach is a wonderfully light yet rich dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner with a touch of elegance. The flaky, tender cod combined with the creamy, garlicky sauce and fresh spinach makes for a satisfying, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply enjoying a weeknight dinner, this dish will undoubtedly impress. Enjoy!

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