This Greek cod recipe is a delicious dinner idea that comes together quickly using only one frying pan. Fresh fish is a great source of lean, tender, high-quality protein. This beautiful fish cooks perfectly with the flavours of sweet onions, salty capers, and rich butter and oil. Finished off with white wine, fresh lemon juice and Italian parsley. Serve over rice or with grilled vegetables for an easy, quick and satisfying seafood dinner!

INGREDIENT NOTES

Cod fillets: You can substitute halibut, sablefish, or another white fish as a substitute for cod.  Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fish.  If you’re using frozen fish, be sure to thaw it fully before using it. Cod is a flaky white fish that is very versatile due to its mild flavour and ability to absorb different seasonings and cooking methods.

All-Purpose Flour: You can use gluten-free flour, rice flour, cornstarch or oat flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour. Shake off any excess flour before placing the fish in the frying pan.

White wine:  Wine is optional, but it gives the dish a little more depth and richness.  As a general guideline, a light and crisp white wine is a great option for cod recipes.  Look for a wine that complements the delicate and flaky nature of the fish without overwhelming its flavour.  A few white wines that pair well with fish are sauvignon blanc, an unoaked or lightly oaked chardonnay, or pinot grigio.

Onions: I love using yellow onions for this recipe because they become slightly sweet as they cook.  But you could substitute white onion, red onion, or shallots (the best combo of garlic and onion, in my opinion, haha) instead of yellow onions.

Where To Find Cod Fillets? 

When purchasing cod fillets, consider the quality and source of the fish.

Grocery stores: Most grocery stores and supermarkets carry a selection of fresh and frozen seafood, including cod fillets.

Fish markets: Local fish markets have a great selection of fresh seafood.

Specialty seafood stores: Some cities and areas have specialty seafood stores that sell exclusively fresh and high-quality seafood.

RECIPE TIPS

• Don’t slice the onions too thin or cook them on high heat because they will burn more easily.
  
  
• Pat the cod dry with paper towels after rinsing with cold water before salting. Flouring both sides of the cod fillets creates a crispy outer layer and locks in the moisture.
  
  
• When adding the fish, the pan should be hot (but not smoking).
  
  
• Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cod fillets just before serving. The acidity enhances the mild cod flavour and adds brightness to the dish!
  
  
• Cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).  The cod flesh should be opaque and not translucent when fully cooked.

HOW TO MAKE PAN-FRIED COD: STEP BY STEP

Step 1: Sauté the onions. Peel and cut the yellow onion in half. Slice the onion lengthwise. Heat up one tablespoon of olive oil and butter in a large frying pan. Sauté the sliced onions on medium heat until soft and translucent (about 7-8 minutes). Then, when the onions are ready, remove the onions from the pan and set them aside in a small bowl.

Step 2: Prep and salt the fish. The cod fillets should be fresh or fully thawed (if previously frozen). Rinse the cod really well with cold water, and then cut the filet in half so that you end up with two pieces. Pat the cod dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle both sides with salt. Dip both sides of the fish in flour and shake off any excess flour.

Step 3: Pan-fry the cod. Heat up a tablespoon of olive oil and butter in the same frying pan you used for the onions. Place the floured cod in the frying pan and cook each side for 4-5 minutes (depending on the thickness of the fish). Flip the cod pieces so that the other side can cook.

Step 4: Sauté the cod with wine, capers, and onions. Add the cooked onion, capers, white wine, and remaining butter to the pan. Sauté together for another 3-4 minutes on medium heat. Use a spoon to pour some of the sauce over the cod fillets. Continue to pan-fry until the fish is cooked and begins to flake easily with a fork. When the fish is ready, turn off the heat and squeeze fresh lemon and diced parsley over the fish.

HOW TO SERVE AND REHEAT

You can serve pan-fried cod over rice, with fresh bread or grilled vegetables like broccolini or asparagus. Serving this Greek cod with mashed or roast potatoes would also be so good!!

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