SEARED COD WITH BLACK GARLIC SAUCE

Seared Cod with Black Garlic Sauce image

Number Of Ingredients 10

7 tablespoons unsalted butter
9 cloves black garlic, peeled and sliced
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
1 teaspoon Sriracha
4 skinned cod fillets
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
1/4 cup cilantro
1/2 teaspoon black sesame seeds

Steps:

In an 8-inch skillet, melt 3 Tbs. of the butter over medium heat until the foam subsides. Add the garlic and cook until soft enough to mash with the back of a spoon, about 1 minute. Add the lime juice, vinegar, Sriracha, and 1/2 tsp. salt, and continue to cook for about 2 minutes to meld the flavors. Transfer to a blender, add 1/3 cup water, and blend until smooth. A few small bits of garlic are fine.
Melt 2 Tbs. of the butter in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the cod fillets dry and season all over with salt and pepper. Place 2 fillets in the skillet and cook, flipping once, until golden brown and just cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Repeat with the remaining 2 Tbs. butter and 2 fillets.
Meanwhile, reheat the sauce in the 8-inch skillet until warmed through, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the sesame oil until emulsified. Divide the sauce among 4 shallow bowls. Nestle the fish into the sauce, top with the tomatoes, cilantro, and sesame seeds (if using), and serve.