Lemon Pan Seared Icelandic Cod Food

PAN FRIED COD

Steps:

• Pat the cod fillets very dry. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
• Heat the oil a 10-inch or similar cast-iron or heavy-bottom skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shiny (but not yet smoking), gently lower the fish into the oil, moving away from your body with your motion in case the oil splatters. Lower the heat to medium.
• Let the fish cook undisturbed on the first side for 2 to 3 minutes, until the underside is nicely golden.
• Gently flip the cod over. A flexible, thin metal spatula (such as a fish spatula) works best. The cod might stick a bit at first, but work gently and firmly and you'll get it. Place the butter in the pan. With a spoon, spread the pat around the fish. Tilt the pan away from you so that the butter pools, then baste the fish with the butter a few times.
• Continue cooking on the other side until the fish is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and reaches 145 degrees F on an instant read thermometer, about 2 additional minutes.
• Sprinkle with fresh herbs and squeeze the lemon over the top. Enjoy immediately, with an extra squeeze of lemon if desired.

PAN-SEARED COD WITH BASIL SAUCE

Steps:

• Combine basil, broth, cheese, oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and garlic in a small bowl.
• Sprinkle fish with 1/2 tsp salt (I omit) and pepper.
• Coat a large nonstick pan with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat.
• Saute fish for 5 minutes on each side or until it flakes easily with a fork.
• Spoon basil sauce over fish to serve.

EASY PAN-SEARED COD WITH LEMON, OLIVES AND CAPERS

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.