Crisp Cod or Other Fish Steaks with Orange Sauce

Crisp Cod or Other Fish Steaks in Pan Sauce presents a delightful and updated take on fish steaks, complete with a savory pan sauce to elevate the flavors. This recipe offers a quick and easy way to create a gourmet meal in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave a delicious seafood dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

The dish starts by coating the fish steaks in a seasoned flour mixture before crisping them up in a hot skillet with a combination of butter and olive oil. The result is beautifully browned and tender fish, complemented by a delightful pan sauce that boasts the zesty essence of orange and the aromatic notes of shallots. The pan sauce perfectly ties all the flavors together, enhancing the taste of the fish and providing a burst of tangy sweetness to tantalize your taste buds.

MAKES: 4 servings

TIME: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• About 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne, or to taste (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter or more oil
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 small cod steaks or any of the fish steaks, 4 to 6 ounces each, 3/4 to 1 inch thick
• 1 large shallot or small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• Chopped fresh basil or mint leaves for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a shallow dish, season the flour with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, then add the butter and olive oil to the skillet.
3. Dredge each fish steak in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess flour, and place them in the hot skillet.
4. Turn the heat up to medium-high and cook the fish steaks, rotating them to brown evenly, for about 4 minutes on each side.
5. After approximately 7 minutes, check the fish’s doneness by inserting a thin-bladed knife into the center. The fish is done when there is little resistance, and little or no translucence appears in the center.
6. If needed, cook the fish for an additional minute or two to achieve the desired doneness.
7. Once cooked, transfer the fish steaks to a plate and keep them warm in the oven preheated to 200°F.
8. In the same skillet, add the sliced shallot and cook, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan until the shallot begins to crisp, which should take just a minute or so.
9. Add the grated orange zest and freshly squeezed orange juice to the skillet, raising the heat until the mixture bubbles.
10. Cook the sauce, stirring occasionally, until it reduces and becomes syrupy, which should take about 3 minutes.
11. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
12. Serve each fish steak with a spoonful of the delectable pan sauce and garnish with chopped fresh basil or mint leaves for an added touch of freshness and flavor.

VARIATIONS:

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability to various flavor profiles. Here are three delicious variations to try:

• Crisp Cod or Other Fish Steaks in Green Sauce: Replace the pan sauce with a vibrant green sauce made with olive oil, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and dry white wine. Serve with lemon wedges for added zestiness.

• Crisp Cod or Other Fish Steaks with Capers and Lemon: Skip the shallot, zest, and juice. Add thinly sliced lemon rounds, drained capers, and a splash of dry white wine or water to the pan. Pour the sauce over the fish and serve.

• Crisp Cod or Other Fish Steaks with Dill and Scallions: Use cornmeal for dredging instead of flour. In Step 2, use all the olive oil to cook the fish. After removing the fish, add chopped fresh dill and scallions to the pan and cook for about a minute. Add wine, stock, cream, or water, and let most of it bubble away. Pour the sauce over the fish and serve immediately, accompanied by lemon wedges.

The Crisp Cod or Other Fish Steaks in Pan Sauce recipe opens up a world of possibilities to explore diverse flavors and create a delectable seafood dining experience. With its simple preparation and rich taste, this dish is sure to become a favorite for seafood lovers and those looking to elevate their weeknight meals with minimal effort. Enjoy the succulent fish steaks paired with the flavorful pan sauce, providing a perfect balance of citrusy sweetness and herbaceous notes for a truly satisfying culinary experience.