Cod in Creamy Bacon Sauce – A Luxurious Yet Simple French-Style Dish
Introduction
If you’re looking for a comforting, restaurant-style dish you can make at home in under 30 minutes, this Cod in Creamy Bacon Sauce is exactly what you need. Tender cod fillets are gently seared and served with a luscious, smoky cream sauce made with bacon and sautéed onions.
This recipe is perfect for weeknights yet elegant enough for a dinner party. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll turn basic cod into a gourmet experience the whole family will love.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the main dish:
- 4 cod fillets (about 150g / 5oz each)
- 200g smoked bacon lardons (or diced turkey bacon for a lighter version)
- 200ml heavy cream (or full-fat cooking cream)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- A pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the ingredients
- Take the cod out of the fridge 10 minutes before cooking.
- Dice the onion finely.
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the bacon
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the bacon lardons and sauté them (no oil needed) until they become crispy and golden, about 5–6 minutes.
- If there’s too much fat in the pan, drain a bit but keep enough for flavor.
3. Add the onion
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the bacon.
- Sauté for 4–5 minutes until soft and lightly caramelized.
4. Make the creamy sauce
- Lower the heat and pour in the cream.
- Stir gently to combine with the bacon and onions.
- Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg.
- Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. It should thicken slightly.
5. Sear the cod
- In a separate skillet, heat butter or oil over medium heat.
- Add the cod fillets and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side, depending on thickness, until golden on the outside and flaky inside.
- Be gentle to avoid breaking the fillets.
6. Assemble the dish
- Place each cod fillet on a plate.
- Spoon the warm bacon cream sauce generously over the top.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Serving Suggestions
- Side dishes: Serve with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or buttered vegetables.
- Bread: A slice of crusty French baguette is perfect to mop up the sauce.
- Wine pairing: A chilled glass of dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy, smoky flavors beautifully.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overcook the cod – it should be just cooked through and flaky.
- Use smoked bacon for extra flavor, or pancetta for a more refined taste.
- The sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently. Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes
- Rich, creamy, and comforting
- Family-friendly and kid-approved
- Perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort