Pan-Seared Cod with Rhode Island Red Clam Chowder Sauce
A delicate pan-seared cod fillet served with a creamy, savory clam chowder-inspired sauce capturing Rhode Island’s coastal flavors. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes blends 6 oz each cod fillets, sea salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 pieces, 6 oz each cod fillets
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small, finely chopped yellow onion
- 1, finely diced celery stalk
- 1 small, finely diced carrot
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup clam juice
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 8 oz, diced small and boiled baby potatoes
- 6 oz, chopped (optional) fresh clams
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 cod fillets (6 oz each) and season with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Sear cod fillets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and just cooked through; remove and keep warm.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp unsalted butter, then sauté 1 small finely chopped yellow onion, 1 diced celery stalk, and 1 small diced carrot over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 4: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle 2 tbsp all-purpose flour over vegetables and stir for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Step 5: Slowly whisk in 1 cup clam juice and 3/4 cup heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 4 minutes.
- Step 6: Stir in 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme, 8 oz diced boiled baby potatoes, and 6 oz chopped fresh clams if using; cook 2 more minutes until clams are tender.
- Step 7: Spoon the chowder sauce over the seared cod and garnish with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Cod with Rhode Island Red Clam Chowder Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Cod with Rhode Island Red Clam Chowder Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Cod with Rhode Island Red Clam Chowder Sauce?
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 Rhode Island Red Clam Chowder Sauce 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 Rhode Island Red Clam Chowder Sauce?
American 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.
