Entree: Antarctica – Southern Culinary Region – Seared Antarctic Cod (Pan-seared Southern Ocean cod fillets dressed with lemon-butter and coastal herbs)
Serving Size: 4
Approximate Time
Prep
20 min
Cook
35 min
Additional
30 min
Total
1 hr 20 min
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets, approx. 6 oz (170 g) each
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
- 3 tbsp (45 g) unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
- 1 tsp (5 ml) lemon zest
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) capers, drained
- 2 tbsp (6 g) fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp (3 g) fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tsp (5 g) dried kelp flakes or seaweed flakes (optional)
- 1 lb (450 g) mixed root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, potatoes), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch (12 mm) pieces
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil for roasting
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the root vegetables with 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast until tender and lightly caramelized, about 25–30 minutes.
2. Pat the cod fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Add the cod fillets skin-side down if skin-on; sear without moving until the underside is golden and the fillet releases easily, about 3–4 minutes. Flip and cook until just opaque through the center, another 2–3 minutes depending on thickness. Transfer fillets to a warm plate.
4. Reduce heat to medium, add 3 tbsp (45 g) unsalted butter to the skillet. When bubbling, stir in 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice, 1 tsp (5 ml) lemon zest, and 2 tbsp (30 ml) capers. Cook for 30–45 seconds to meld flavors, then remove from heat.
5. Stir in 2 tbsp (6 g) chopped parsley, 1 tbsp (3 g) chopped dill, and 1 tsp (5 g) kelp flakes if using. Spoon the lemon-butter sauce over the seared cod.
6. Divide roasted root vegetables among plates, top with a cod fillet, drizzle with remaining sauce, and serve with lemon wedges.
