Dive into a sea of flavors with our Pan-Seared Cod in Salsa with Queso Fresco! This dish is a harmonious blend of fresh, zesty salsa and delicate, perfectly seared cod, all topped with the creamy delight of queso fresco. It's a culinary fiesta that brings a touch of elegance to your dinner table, suitable for both casual family meals and special occasions.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: 4
- Serving Size: 1 cod fillet with salsa and cheese
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 320mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 5g (Dietary Fiber 1g, Total Sugars 2g)
- Protein: 40g
Ingredients
- Cod fillets: 4 (6 ounces each)
- Fresh salsa (diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice): 300g (10.5 ounces)
- Queso fresco (crumbled): 100g (3.5 ounces)
- Olive oil: 30ml (1 ounce)
- Garlic (minced): 2 cloves
- Lime juice: 30ml (1 ounce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Method of Preparation
- Season Cod: Season the cod fillets with salt, pepper, and lime juice.
- Heat Oil: Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook Cod: Place the cod fillets in the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and flaky.
- Prepare Salsa: In a bowl, mix together diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the Dish: Place a generous amount of fresh salsa on each plate, lay the seared cod on top, and sprinkle with crumbled queso fresco.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and a lime wedge. Serve immediately.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Fish Freshness: Ensure the cod is fresh for the best flavor and texture.
- Salsa Quality: Use ripe tomatoes and fresh ingredients for the salsa.
- Cooking the Cod: Don't move the cod too much while cooking to get a nice sear.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure it's fully thawed and pat dry before cooking.
What can I use instead of queso fresco?
Feta cheese can be a good substitute, though it has a stronger flavor.
How can I tell when the cod is perfectly cooked?
The cod should flake easily with a fork and have a slightly opaque center.
Our Pan-Seared Cod in Salsa with Queso Fresco is a true culinary celebration, blending simple ingredients into an extraordinary dish. It's a testament to the beauty of fresh, wholesome cooking. Share this dish with loved ones, and let it take center stage at your dining table. Here's to memorable meals and the joy of cooking!