Pan-Seared Alaska Cod with Lemon-Parsley Orzo

- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cups uncooked orzo
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 4, 4-6 ounce frozen Alaska cod fillets
- Sliced lemons, for squeezing over fish and serving
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (about 10 ounces)
Instructions
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Step 1 Prepare the orzo
Cook the orzo according to the package directions. When it’s done, drain and put in a large bowl. Mix in the parsley, lemon juice and zest, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt (or more to taste). Set aside.
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Step 2 Prepare the cod
Run the frozen Alaska cod fillets under cold water to remove any ice glaze and pat dry with a paper towel. Brush both sides with oil and heat a large heavy-bottomed/non stick pan over medium-high heat. Add frozen cod and cook, uncovered, about 3-4 minutes, until lightly browned on the bottom. Flip the cod, sprinkle with 3/4 teaspoon salt, then cover pan and reduce heat to medium. Cook for another 5-6 minutes, depending on thickness and doneness. Cod should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Remove from the heat, drizzle with a teaspoon or so of olive oil and a squirt of lemon and set aside.
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Step 3 Cook the tomatoes
Carefully wipe out the skillet. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and heat over high heat until quite hot. Add the tomatoes and cook, shaking the pan occasionally, until blistered, about 2 to 3 minutes.
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Step 4 Plate, garnish and serve
Serve the cod with the lemon-parsley orzo, blistered tomatoes, and lemon wedges and garnish with parsley.