EASY PAN-SEARED COD WITH LEMON, OLIVES AND CAPERS

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Easy Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon, Olives and Capers image

A southern Mediterranean recipe for pan-seared fish, with bright, assertive flavors!

Provided by Marilena Leavitt

Categories     Seafood Main

Time 14m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 pieces of cod, ¾"- 1" thick, (about 6 oz. each)
--- sea salt and freshly ground pepper
2-3 TBSP. olive oil (or, neutral oil)
½ medium lemon (zested and sliced)
1 garlic clove, finely minced
6 olives, black and green, chopped
1 TBSP. small capers, rinsed and dried
2 TBSP. tender celery leaves (or parsley)

Steps:

  • Pat dry the fish fillets very well, then season them generously with salt and pepper and set them aside.
  • In a small bowl, combine the garlic, olives, and capers.
  • Zest the lemon and cut it into thin slices
  • Set a large skillet over medium-high heat. It should be large enough to accommodate the fish and the lemon slices. Add the olive oil and, when it gets hot, carefully lower the two fish fillets into the pan and reduce the heat to medium. Using a fish spatula, gently press the fillets against the skillet ensuring that the whole side of the fish is in contact with the heat (this is important especially when cooking fish with the skin still on - it ensures crispy skin). Let the fish cook for about three minutes and then shake the skillet gently to check if the fish releases from the pan. If it does not, let it cook for another 30 seconds (when the fillets form a crust, they will easily release from the pan). Flip the fish to the uncooked side, then add the lemon slices to the pan around the fillets. Cook the fish for two minutes more (the cooking time depends on the thickness of the fish and how well you want the fish cooked). With a fork, check the flesh of the fish to make sure it flakes easily. Flip the slices of lemon. Add the garlic mixture to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds.
  • Transfer the fish to two plates and spoon the mixture of olives and capers over the fish. Sprinkle the fillets with the reserved lemon zest and celery leaves. Serve with extra lemon on the side.

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