Crispy Pan-Fried Cod

Crispy pan-fried cod is a simple and tasty dish. Here is the recipe and method to prepare this delight.

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets (150-200 g each)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Flour, for breading
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 lemon (juice and grated zest)
• Aromatic herbs to taste (for example, chopped parsley)

Preparation

1. Dry the cod fillets well with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Season the fillets with salt and pepper to your taste.
3. Bread each cod fillet in flour, making sure to completely cover the surface and shaking off the excess flour.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it begins to sizzle slightly.
5. Gently lay the cod fillets in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they become golden and crispy. Be careful not to move the fillets too soon to avoid breaking them and to allow a crust to form.
6. Once cooked, squeeze the lemon juice over the fillets and sprinkle with grated zest to add freshness.
7. If desired, garnish the cod with chopped fresh aromatic herbs such as parsley.

Consider serving the crispy cod with a light side, such as a salad or sautéed vegetables, and maybe an Italian touch could be the addition of a drizzle of raw extra virgin olive oil and a few capers scattered here and there for a contrast of Mediterranean flavors.

Fun Fact

Cod is a very versatile fish and is used in various cuisines around the world. In Italy, it is often cooked in coastal regions and can be prepared in a thousand ways, from the simplest to the most complex. Crispy pan-fried cod is a quick and tasty way to enjoy its flavor, maintaining a nice texture thanks to the outer crust formed by pan-frying with flour.