How to Perfectly Cook Cod Three Ways

Introduction

• Eating fish is healthy and delicious if cooked properly.
• Cooking fish at home can be tricky; many prefer restaurants, which are expensive.
• Learn to cook cod at home using three methods.
• Techniques work for other white fish like halibut, sea bass, or tilapia.

Preparation Basics

• Use cod fillets (390 grams/14 ounces each) – frozen and thawed or fresh.
• Thawing fish is cheaper and more accessible.
• Key step: Pat fillets completely dry with paper towels to remove excess water.

Method 1: Pan-Fried Cod

1. Seasoning
   • Cut cod fillet into two pieces.
   • Season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper on both sides.
2. Coating
   • Mix 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp sweet smoked Spanish paprika.
   • Coat the fillets in the flour mixture.
3. Cooking
   • Heat a large frying pan with medium-high heat.
   • Add 1/2 cup sunflower oil or any neutral vegetable oil.
   • Use a timer: cook fillets for 3 minutes per side (~6 minutes total).
4. Finish
   • Transfer fillets to a dish with paper towels.
   • Result: Crispy outside, melt-in-your-mouth inside, flavorful.

Method 2: Pan-Seared Cod

1. Seasoning
   • Cut cod fillet into two pieces.
   • Season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper on both sides.
   • Skin-on for better texture and hold during cooking.
2. Cooking
   • Heat a large frying pan with medium-high heat.
   • Add 2 tbsp virgin olive oil.
   • Use a timer: cook fillets skin-side up for 2.5 minutes, press down with spatula.
   • Flip and cook for another 2.5 minutes (adjust time for thickness).
3. Finish
   • Transfer to a dish.
   • Result: Restaurant-quality, flavorful, easy to make.

Method 3: Pan-Grilled Cod (A la Plancha)

1. Seasoning
   • Cut cod fillet into two pieces.
   • Season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper on both sides.
   • Drizzle with a kiss of extra virgin olive oil.
2. Cooking
   • Heat a large frying pan with medium-high heat (no added fat).
   • Use a timer: cook fillets skin-side up for 2.5 minutes.
   • Flip and cook for another 2.5 minutes (adjust time for thickness).
3. Finish
   • Transfer to a dish.
   • Result: Natural flavors, simple and delicious.

Conclusion

• Timing and thickness are key to perfectly cooked fish.
• These methods result in easy, flavorful, restaurant-quality cod dishes at home.
• Encourage practicing these techniques to avoid expensive restaurant visits.

Additional Note

• Shoutout to Patreon supporter Terri K Kleen.
• Call to support on Patreon for more content.
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Hasta Luego!