How to properly cook cod in a pan? All the techniques

Pan-Fried Cod: The Steps for Perfect Cooking

The principle of pan-frying cod is super simple: select a beautiful cod loin (also called cod steaks) and gently roast it in the pan, before adding whatever you like, depending on your mood, your taste, and the day's inspiration: preserved lemon, thyme, onions, or shallots... Anything goes.

Pan-frying cod is the perfect opportunity to review the correct cooking techniques for stainless steel: first, heat the stainless steel pan, heating the heat to about 2/3 of its maximum power. After about two minutes, do the water drop test by dropping it into the hot pan. Does the drop evaporate? The pan isn't hot enough. Does the water droplet bead in the pan and roll around like a little marble? You can then grease the pan with vegetable fat, such as neutral or olive oil, before gently adding the cod fillets or back.

For perfect cooking, reduce the heat to about 1/3 of its maximum power: stainless steel conducts heat extremely well, so there's no need to burn your little fish. Let a first crust form. Those with a sweet tooth can add a generous knob of butter to the pan to baste the fish while gently helping it release from the stainless steel. After a maximum of 5 minutes of cooking, turn the fish over before cooking it evenly on the other side.
       

Tips to prevent cod from sticking to the pan

Since this is a delicate fish, some people who are not comfortable cooking with stainless steel may feel a little anxious about making this recipe. To reassure yourself, don't hesitate to place a large piece of parchment paper on the bottom of your pan. Yes, a bit like cooking en papillote! On the menu: no added fat required, ultra-easy preparation, even cooking that won't stick.

Simple and delicious pan-fried cod recipes

When your pan-fried cod is finished cooking, it's time to spice up your recipe!

Cooking cod in a pan with cream

Deglaze the cod with a splash of white wine, then add shallots, single cream, and a teaspoon of curry. Adjust the seasoning if necessary. Let it reduce, then sprinkle with parsley before enjoying with a portion of wild rice and oven-glazed carrots.

Cooking cod in a pan with flour and eggs

The idea here is to make the fish even crispier by dipping it in beaten egg before cooking, then rolling it in flour. As it cooks, your cod back will develop a lovely golden crust. It's mouthwatering! As a side dish, serve a mixture of oven-roasted vegetables in olive oil: onion, tomato, zucchini, green asparagus... Depending on your taste and the season!

What utensils should you use when cooking your cod in a pan?

While a stainless steel pan is your best friend for delicately cooking cod fillets, other utensils can enhance the cooking experience.

A stainless steel saucepan will allow you, for example, to make a sauce with cream, white wine, or lemon butter, with complete control, thanks to a gentle and even temperature rise.

For your roasted vegetables or simmered side dishes (such as glazed carrots or sautéed zucchini), opt for a stainless steel sauté pan or even a wok, ideal for quickly searing your vegetables while keeping them crisp. These versatile utensils will allow you to create a complete, healthy and tasty meal, without ever losing the comfort and precision of stainless steel.

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