Description
Want to make restaurant-quality poached cod at home? This simple yet elegant recipe will help you become skilled at poaching fish perfectly.
The recipe delivers tender, flaky cod that melts right in your mouth. You can prepare this dish in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions. The recipe works with poaching liquids of all types to match your taste preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cod filets (6 ounces each).
- 2 cups of your choice of poaching liquid (milk, marinara sauce, or court bouillon).
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed.
- 2 bay leaves.
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil.
- Kosher salt to taste.
- Fresh ground black pepper.
- ¼ cup fresh herbs (chives, parsley, or basil).
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish: Thaw frozen filets completely. Season both sides with salt after patting them dry with paper towels.
- Heat the Poaching Liquid: Your chosen liquid goes into a wide-bottomed pan. The milk-based poaching needs gentle simmering over low heat.
- Add Aromatics: The crushed garlic, bay leaves, and olive oil blend into the poaching liquid.
- Cook the Fish: The seasoned cod filets should be placed gently into the liquid. The internal temperature should reach 130°-140°F to cook perfectly.
- Monitor and Finish: The fish needs 5-8 minutes to cook depending on its thickness. Look for opaque color and easy flaking with a fork.
Notes
A skewer should slide through the thickest part without resistance once done.
The cod’s texture becomes firmer if you salt it and let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before poaching.
Butter needs clarification by removing milk solids before using it as poaching liquid.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Poached