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Cod With Scallion-Sesame Butter

4.1

(5)

A crusty cod fillet on a plate topped with a butterscallion relish with a pool of sauce gathering on the plate.
Photograph by Emma Fishman, food styling by Micah Morton, prop styling by Elizabeth Jaime

This nod to scallion-ginger sauce uses both butter and olive oil, giving extra richness to lean whitefish. A dusting of cornstarch imparts that restaurant-style golden crisp.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 Servings

Ingredients

4 5–6-oz. cod or other flaky whitefish fillets
Kosher salt
2 Tbsp. cornstarch or all-purpose flour
6 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced
4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
1 tsp. toasted sesame oil
1 1” piece ginger, peeled, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Pat fish dry with paper towels; season with salt. Sprinkle one side with an even layer of cornstarch; brush off excess. Heat 2 Tbsp. olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Lay fish, cornstarch side down, in skillet and cook, shaking pan occasionally, until golden, crisp, and opaque around the edges, 6–8 minutes. Turn fish over and cook just until fillets are cooked through and flake easily with a fork, 1–2 minutes.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, place scallions in a medium heatproof bowl. Combine butter, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and remaining 4 Tbsp. olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook until butter begins to foam and garlic turns light golden, about 4 minutes. Pour over scallions, stirring to wilt. Let cool 1 minute, then season with salt.

    Step 3

    Serve fish with scallion-sesame butter spooned over.

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