Pan-Fried Cod with Orange and Swiss Chard is a light, flavorful, and refreshing dish that combines perfectly cooked cod with the bright citrusy notes of orange and the earthy richness of Swiss chard. The delicate fish is crisped to perfection in a hot pan, while the sweet orange sauce enhances its subtle flavor. The Swiss chard adds both color and depth, making this dish a well-rounded and healthy meal.
I first made this dish when I was craving something light yet satisfying, with a balance of sweetness, freshness, and savory elements. The pan-fried cod fillets have a crisp exterior and a tender, flaky interior, complemented by the sweet-tart orange glaze. The Swiss chard, sautéed with garlic, adds a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the orange, while also providing a dose of greens to round out the meal.
What I love most about Pan-Fried Cod with Orange and Swiss Chard is how quick and simple it is to prepare, yet it feels sophisticated enough for a dinner party. The combination of flavors is unexpected and vibrant, and the dish feels both comforting and light at the same time. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, served alongside a light salad or roasted potatoes.
Perfect for:
- Weeknight dinners
- Healthy meals
- Fish lovers
- Special occasions
- Light and fresh meals
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Pan-Fried Cod with Orange and Swiss Chard will become your go-to dish:
- Bright and Fresh Flavors: The combination of cod, orange, and Swiss chard creates a vibrant, well-balanced flavor profile.
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Healthy and Nutritious: With lean cod, fresh vegetables, and citrus, this dish is light yet satisfying.
- Perfect for All Occasions: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this dish fits any occasion.
- Citrus Kick: The orange glaze adds a refreshing burst of flavor that enhances the natural sweetness of the cod.
- Versatile and Adaptable: You can substitute other leafy greens or fruits if you prefer, making this dish customizable to your taste.
- Low in Calories: This recipe is both low in calories and packed with essential nutrients.
- Pan-Fried Perfection: The cod is lightly pan-fried to a golden crisp on the outside, while remaining tender inside.
- Minimal Ingredients: This dish uses a short list of ingredients, making it easy to prepare without a lot of fuss.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the orange glaze and Swiss chard ahead of time for faster assembly.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 28g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 10g
Ingredients
For the Cod:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
The Orange Glaze:
- 2 oranges, juiced and zested
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon grated ginger
For the Swiss Chard:
- 1 bunch Swiss chard, stems removed and leaves chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredient Highlights
- Cod: A lean and mild-flavored fish that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well.
- Fresh Oranges: Offer a natural sweetness and acidity that balances the richness of the fish.
- Swiss Chard: A nutritious leafy green with earthy flavor and vibrant color.
- Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to the orange glaze.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Cod:
- Season Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat the Pan: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Pan-Fry the Cod: Add the fillets to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Make the Orange Glaze:
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and ginger.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
Prepare the Swiss Chard:
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet used for the fish, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Cook the Chard: Add the chopped Swiss chard to the pan and cook, stirring frequently, for 3-4 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Dish:
- Plate the Dish: Place a portion of sautéed Swiss chard on each plate and top with a cod fillet.
- Drizzle with Glaze: Spoon the orange glaze over the cod fillets and serve immediately.
How to Serve
Here are 9 serving suggestions for Pan-Fried Cod with Orange and Swiss Chard:
- With Quinoa: Serve alongside quinoa or couscous for a complete meal.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for a hearty side.
- As a Light Lunch: Serve on its own or with a simple side salad for a light, refreshing lunch.
- With Rice Pilaf: Serve with a fragrant rice pilaf for a more filling option.
- For a Low-Carb Meal: Pair with steamed broccoli or cauliflower for a low-carb side.
- With Garlic Bread: Serve with a slice of garlic bread for a comforting meal.
- On a Bed of Greens: Serve the cod over a bed of arugula or spinach for an added freshness.
- For Dinner Parties: Present this dish as an elegant entrée for special occasions.
- With Sautéed Mushrooms: Add sautéed mushrooms to the Swiss chard for a deeper flavor.
Additional Tips
- Use Fresh Cod: Fresh cod will have a more delicate flavor and texture than frozen.
- Orange Glaze Variation: Adjust the sweetness of the glaze by adding more or less honey, depending on your preference.
- Crispy Fish: If you prefer a crispier crust on the cod, coat the fillets in flour before pan-frying.
- Avoid Overcooking: Be careful not to overcook the cod; it should be tender and flake easily with a fork.
- Use Other Greens: If Swiss chard isn’t available, spinach or kale can be substituted.
Recipe Variations
- Lemon and Thyme Cod: Replace orange with lemon juice and zest and add fresh thyme for a different flavor profile.
- Grilled Cod: Grill the cod fillets instead of pan-frying for a smoky flavor.
- Spicy Glaze: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a spicy kick.
- With Asparagus: Serve with steamed asparagus instead of Swiss chard for a different green.
- Coconut-Crusted Cod: Coat the fillets in shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
- With Mango Salsa: Add a fresh mango salsa on top of the cod for a tropical, fruity contrast.
- Vegan Option: Use tempeh or tofu in place of cod for a plant-based version.
Special Equipment
- Non-Stick Skillet: Ideal for pan-frying the cod without sticking.
- Small Saucepan: For simmering the orange glaze.
- Citrus Zester: To get the perfect zest for the glaze.
- Tongs: For flipping the cod fillets without breaking them.
- Spoon: For drizzling the orange glaze evenly over the fish.
FAQ Section
- Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes, you can substitute cod with other white fish like tilapia, haddock, or snapper. - Can I make the orange glaze ahead of time?
Yes, the glaze can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. - How long does the cooked cod last in the fridge?
The cooked cod will stay fresh for up to 2 days when stored in an airtight container. - Can I use frozen Swiss chard?
Yes, frozen Swiss chard can be used. Just thaw and drain excess water before sautéing. - What can I use instead of soy sauce?
Tamari or coconut aminos are great alternatives to soy sauce for a gluten-free version. - Can I serve this with a different vegetable?
Yes, you can swap the Swiss chard with other leafy greens or even roasted vegetables. - Can I add nuts to this dish?
Yes, chopped almonds or pine nuts would add a nice crunch when sprinkled over the top. - Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the orange glaze for heat. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe for a larger crowd. - What should I serve as a side?
Serve with a light side like a quinoa salad, steamed green beans, or a citrusy couscous salad.
Conclusion
This Pan-Fried Cod with Orange and Swiss Chard is a light yet flavorful dish that combines the delicate, flaky texture of cod with the bright, citrusy notes of orange and the earthy richness of Swiss chard. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers fresh, vibrant flavors that are sure to satisfy.
The magic of this dish lies in its balance of flavors and textures. The cod is pan-fried to golden perfection, while the Swiss chard is sautéed until tender, providing a savory base for the bright and juicy orange segments that bring a pop of sweetness. A drizzle of orange juice over the fish ties everything together, creating a dish that’s both refreshing and comforting.
I’d love to see your Pan-Fried Cod with Orange and Swiss Chard creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your beautifully cooked, flavorful meals. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share any fun twists or side dishes that made your plate uniquely yours!