Succulent Cod Fillets with a Creamy Peppercorn Sauce for Every Occasion

Indulge in the exquisite flavors of succulent cod fillets drizzled with a rich and creamy peppercorn sauce

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Send Recipe Jump To Recipe
Succulent Cod Fillets with a Creamy Peppercorn Sauce for Every Occasion
Chef profile

JUE

Enjoy home-cooked meals made with love and shared from a family kitchen.

Chef's Essential Tips

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

Serving with Side Dishes:
Selecting complementary sides, like garlic mashed potatoes or sautéed greens, can elevate your dish. The right pairing enhances the overall meal experience, providing balance and variety to each bite.
Garnishing with Fresh Herbs:
Adding fresh herbs like parsley at the end of cooking preserves their vibrant flavor and color. This simple step enhances presentation and provides a fresh brightness to balance the richness of your dish.
Whisking Sauce Ingredients:
When incorporating cream and broth into the pan, whisking helps combine the ingredients smoothly, preventing lumps. This technique is vital to achieving a velvety consistency, keeping your sauce appealing and luxurious.
Deglazing the Pan:
After cooking the cod, deglazing the pan with broth helps lift all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. This step is essential for creating a rich sauce and ensures you take full advantage of the savory elements left behind in the pan.
Crushing Peppercorns:
Using a mortar and pestle or the flat side of a knife blade, crush the peppercorns to release their essential oils. This technique not only increases their flavor but also adds an appealing texture to the sauce, making it more complex and interesting.
Searing Cod:
To achieve that perfect golden crust, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the fish. Seasoning the fillets well enhances their flavor while preventing sticking. Searing for the right amount of time is crucial; overcooked fish becomes dry and loses its appealing texture.
Succulent Cod Fillets with a Creamy Peppercorn Sauce for Every Occasion

The Complete Guide to Mastering Cod with Peppercorn Sauce

Searing Cod:
To achieve that perfect golden crust, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the fish. Seasoning the fillets well enhances their flavor while preventing sticking. Searing for the right amount of time is crucial; overcooked fish becomes dry and loses its appealing texture.
Crushing Peppercorns:
Using a mortar and pestle or the flat side of a knife blade, crush the peppercorns to release their essential oils. This technique not only increases their flavor but also adds an appealing texture to the sauce, making it more complex and interesting.
Deglazing the Pan:
After cooking the cod, deglazing the pan with broth helps lift all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. This step is essential for creating a rich sauce and ensures you take full advantage of the savory elements left behind in the pan.
Whisking Sauce Ingredients:
When incorporating cream and broth into the pan, whisking helps combine the ingredients smoothly, preventing lumps. This technique is vital to achieving a velvety consistency, keeping your sauce appealing and luxurious.
Garnishing with Fresh Herbs:
Adding fresh herbs like parsley at the end of cooking preserves their vibrant flavor and color. This simple step enhances presentation and provides a fresh brightness to balance the richness of your dish.
Serving with Side Dishes:
Selecting complementary sides, like garlic mashed potatoes or sautéed greens, can elevate your dish. The right pairing enhances the overall meal experience, providing balance and variety to each bite.
Adjusting Sauce Seasoning:
Tasting your sauce before serving is crucial; you can adjust salt, pepper, and acidity levels. Balancing these elements ensures a well-rounded flavor profile that will impress your guests.
Cooking to the Right Temperature:
Cod is best cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy, ensuring a perfectly flaky texture without overcooking.
Reheating Leftovers:
When reheating, do so gently over low heat to prevent the fish from becoming tough. Adding a splash of cream or broth can help revive the sauce, keeping it creamy and delicious.
Master Your Recipe with These Pro Chef Secrets
Pair your dish with white wine, such as Chardonnay, for a delightful meal experience.
The sauce can be made in advance, just reheat gently before adding the cod.
Substitute cod with firm tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version of the recipe.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.
Succulent Cod Fillets with a Creamy Peppercorn Sauce for Every Occasion

Succulent Cod Fillets with a Creamy Peppercorn Sauce for Every Occasion

Indulge in the exquisite flavors of succulent cod fillets drizzled with a rich and creamy peppercorn sauce. This delightful dish combines fresh cod, aromatic black peppercorns, tangy Dijon mustard, and velvety heavy cream, creating a luscious experience for your palate. The balance of savory and tangy notes perfectly complements the tender fish. Ideal for romantic dinners, family gatherings, or elegant brunches, this dish not only satisfies your appetite but also warms your heart. The silky texture of the sauce pairs wonderfully with the flaky cod, making each bite a comforting sensation. Whether you're impressing guests or treating yourself, this cod with peppercorn sauce is sure to bring joy to your dining table.

Succulent Cod Fillets with a Creamy Peppercorn Sauce for Every Occasion
0% Complete

Ingredients

For the Cod:
01
4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each), skinless and boneless
02
Salt and black pepper, to taste
03
2 tablespoons olive oil
04
1 tablespoon butter
For the Peppercorn Sauce:
05
1 tablespoon black peppercorns, crushed
06
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
07
1 cup heavy cream
08
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
09
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
10
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
11
1 teaspoon garlic, minced

Instructions

01
Step 1: Rinse the cod fillets under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
02
Step 2: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the cod fillets. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, then transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
03
Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add crushed black peppercorns. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly.
04
Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until softened, taking care not to burn it.
05
Step 5: Add the Dijon mustard and stir well, allowing it to blend with the peppercorns and garlic.
06
Step 6: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and lift any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
07
Step 7: Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, and let the sauce cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens slightly.
08
Step 8: Add fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley to the sauce, and mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
09
Step 9: Return the cooked cod fillets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them to ensure they are well coated.
10
Step 10: Allow the cod to warm in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes before serving.
11
Step 11: Serve the cod fillets drizzled with peppercorn sauce, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
12
Step 12: Enjoy your delectable cod dish with your choice of rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.