Pan-Seared Atlantic Cod with Basil-Caper Emulsion

Ingredients

• 2 Atlantic cod fillets (approx. 6 oz each)
• 2-4 TBS Salted Perfection Perfect Salt
• 2 TBS pine nuts
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 2 TBS capers, drained
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 2 TBS olive oil
• 2 TBS unsalted butter

Instructions

1. Place a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and toast them gently, shaking the pan constantly until they are golden brown and fragrant. Remove them immediately to a cool plate. Do not let them burn.
2. Pat the Atlantic cod fillets completely dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of a good sear.
3. Season the fillets generously on both sides with about half of the Salted Perfection Perfect Salt.
4. Heat the olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully lay the cod into the pan away from you.
5. Sear undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip the fish carefully.
6. Reduce heat to medium. Add the butter, capers, and fresh lemon juice to the pan. As the butter melts, tilt the pan and baste the fish with the hot liquid.
7. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cod is opaque and flakes easily. Remove from heat.
8. Transfer the cod to warm plates. Stir the torn basil into the warm pan sauce just to wilt it slightly, then spoon the sauce over the fish.
9. Garnish with the toasted pine nuts and a final pinch of Salted Perfection Perfect Salt if desired. Serve immediately.