Straightforward Pan-Fried Cod – The Woks of Life

This straightforward pan-fried cod recipe is an easy, wholesome, clear approach to take pleasure in fish on a weeknight, with just some pantry staples. 

The Outsize Significance of Salt When Cooking Fish

There may be an previous saying in Chinese language, 咸鱼淡肉菜多油 (xián yú dàn ròu cài duō yóu), which suggests: extra salt when cooking fish, much less salt when cooking meat, and extra oil when cooking greens. 

Salt is an important ingredient on the subject of cooking fish, bringing out its pure taste whereas dampening any fishiness. That is particularly essential when pan-frying oily fish like blue fish and mackerel. 

That stated, it’s additionally essential to flaky gentle fishes like cod. Cod doesn’t have a powerful taste, however the salt brings out its delicate oceanic sweetness. 

On this recipe, I exploit only a few components moreover salt. They’re icing on the cake, and an excessive amount of “icing” would masks the flavour of the fish. No herbs, butter, or lemon wanted right here!

Listed here are the roles every ingredient performs: 

• Shaoxing wine: neutralizes any fishiness and provides depth of taste
• White pepper powder: offers a refined pepperiness that doesn’t overpower the cod 
• Cornstarch: creates a light-weight crust on the surface of the fish 
• Oil: helps you crisp up the fish within the sizzling pan! 

You simply don’t want a lot effort to have a really satisfying meal when you may have a pleasant piece of fish! I wish to serve my pan-fried cod with a easy vegetable and rice. You may as well serve it as a most important dish with a few stir-fries, family-style.

Pan-fried Cod Recipe Directions

Gently rinse the fillets clear, and pat all sides dry with a paper towel. This step is essential to make sure the fillet browns properly and stays intact.

Season the fillet on either side with the Shaoxing wine, and rub together with your fingers to evenly cowl the fish. Then sprinkle the white pepper and salt on either side of the fish. I exploit the strategy of gently tapping the measuring spoon with the seasoning to evenly distribute it over the fish. 

Marinate on the counter for 15-20 minutes. This lets the fish come as much as room temperature, so it could possibly cook dinner evenly. Proper earlier than cooking, thinly coat the fish on either side with the cornstarch.

Now preheat a clear frying pan over medium-high warmth till it begins to flippantly smoke (skip this step if utilizing a non-stick pan). Add the oil and swirl to coat. Lay the fish within the pan, and cook dinner over medium-high to excessive warmth, till it turns opaque across the edges, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer the pan round to make sure the oil is evenly distributed. 

Use a big spatula to softly flip the fish. Cook dinner the opposite aspect for 2-3 minutes. Serve!