Pan-Seared Cod with Creamy Pea and Mint Puree
A delicate pan-seared cod fillet served atop a smooth and vibrant pea and mint puree, offering a fresh taste of British coastal cuisine. This british-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs fillets (6 oz each) cod fillets, olive oil, frozen peas for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 4 fillets (6 oz each) cod fillets
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups frozen peas
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil and add 2 cups frozen peas, cooking for 3 minutes until tender and bright green, then drain.
- Step 2: Transfer peas to a blender with 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, 1/4 cup heavy cream, and 1/2 tsp salt; blend until smooth and creamy, then set aside.
- Step 3: Pat dry 4 cod fillets with paper towels and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until butter melts and foams.
- Step 5: Place cod fillets skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until the edges are crispy and the skin releases easily.
- Step 6: Carefully flip fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 7: Remove cod from heat and drizzle 1 tbsp lemon juice over the fillets.
- Step 8: To serve, spoon a generous amount of pea and mint puree onto each plate and place a cod fillet on top, garnishing with a few fresh mint leaves if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Cod with Creamy Pea and Mint Puree take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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-Seared Cod with Creamy Pea and Mint Puree?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Cod with Creamy Pea and Mint Puree?
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-Seared Cod with Creamy Pea and Mint Puree for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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-Seared Cod with Creamy Pea and Mint Puree?
British seafood 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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