Pan-Fried Cod with Aji Sauce and Plantains

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Velvety cod fillets seared to golden perfection, paired with a tangy aji sauce and caramelized plantains for a vibrant, balanced meal. This Puerto Rican-inspired one-pot recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs cod fillets, aji sauce, plantains for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 495 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Puerto Rican cuisine 495 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1 lb cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add cod fillets to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden and flaky.
  4. Step 4: While cod cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a small skillet. Add 2 medium sliced plantains (1/2-inch thick) and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden. Add 1 tbsp lime juice and cook for 1 more minute.
  5. Step 5: Remove cod and plantains from pans. Drizzle with 1/4 cup aji sauce and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Cod with Aji Sauce and Plantains take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Fried Cod with Aji Sauce and Plantains?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Cod with Aji Sauce and Plantains?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Fried Cod with Aji Sauce and Plantains for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Fried Cod with Aji Sauce and Plantains?

Puerto Rican one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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