Pan-Seared Cod with Pea Purée and Crispy Bacon
Fresh cod fillets pan-seared to golden perfection, served over a vibrant pea purée and topped with crunchy bacon bits. This british-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs (5 oz each) cod fillets, frozen peas, unsalted butter 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 (5 oz each) cod fillets
- 2 cups frozen peas
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 bacon slices, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups frozen peas and cook for 3 minutes until tender. Drain and transfer peas to a blender with 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves. Blend until smooth and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 chopped bacon slices and cook for 5 minutes until crispy. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. Season 4 cod fillets with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Place cod fillets skin-side down and sear for 4-5 minutes until golden and crisp, then flip and cook an additional 3 minutes until cooked through.
- Step 4: To serve, spoon pea purée onto plates, place cod fillets on top, and sprinkle with crispy bacon bits.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Cod with Pea Purée and Crispy Bacon 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 Pea Purée and Crispy Bacon?
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 (5 oz each) cod fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Cod with Pea Purée and Crispy Bacon?
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 Pea Purée and Crispy Bacon 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 Pea Purée and Crispy Bacon?
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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