Pan-Seared Cod on Greens
By Owen Olsson-O'Neill
Wild Alaskan Pacific Cod
Pan-Seared Cod on Greens
Crispy cod on a bed of garlicky sautéed greens
5 min
12 min
17 min
4
This pan-seared cod on greens is the definition of clean eating without sacrificing flavor. Wild Alaskan Pacific cod develops a beautifully crispy exterior while staying flaky and moist inside, perched atop a quick sauté of spinach and kale with garlic and lemon. It's naturally compatible with keto, Whole30, paleo, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets, making it one of the most versatile healthy dinners you can make in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 4 wild Alaskan Pacific cod portions (6 oz each), thawed
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 2 cups lacinato kale, stemmed and chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Season the cod: Pat cod portions dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Sear the cod: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place cod in the pan and cook 4-5 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy. Flip and cook 3-4 minutes more until cooked through. Remove to a plate.
- Sauté the greens: In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Wilt the greens: Add kale first and toss for 1 minute. Add spinach and toss until just wilted, about 1 minute more. Season with salt and a squeeze of lemon.
- Plate: Divide the garlicky greens among four plates. Place a seared cod portion on top of each bed of greens.
- Serve: Drizzle with any pan juices, add a final squeeze of lemon, and serve with additional lemon wedges.
Chef's Tips
- Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook cod in batches if your skillet isn't large enough for all four portions.
- Add the spinach after the kale since spinach wilts much faster.
- For extra richness (not Whole30/dairy-free), finish with a pat of butter on the cod.
- Swap the greens for Swiss chard, beet greens, or any hearty green you have on hand.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories
Protein
Fat
Carbs