Michael Matthews adapted by JojoM

A light, protein-packed cod dish with a tangy mustard-caper sauce and fresh salad. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
If youโre looking for a quick, healthy, and flavor-packed dinner idea, this Seared Cod with No-Cook Mustard-Caper Sauce will be your new favorite ๐. Itโs light yet satisfying โ perfect for busy weeknights or a fresh weekend meal. The star of the dish is the tangy mustard-caper sauce, which needs no cooking at all โ just a quick whisk and itโs ready!
This dish perfectly balances lean protein, bright acidity, and herbaceous freshness. The flaky seared cod pairs beautifully with the bold mustard-caper sauce, while the crisp salad adds a refreshing touch to every bite.
Itโs:
What makes this recipe shine is its effortless sauce โ no stove needed! Whole-grain mustard provides a grainy, tangy bite; capers bring that salty pop; and tarragon adds a subtle anise aroma that feels elegant yet approachable. Whisked with olive oil and a splash of water, itโs smooth and flavorful without overpowering the delicate cod.
A quick sear on each side gives the cod a gorgeous golden crust while keeping the inside tender and flaky. Just a few minutes per side in a nonstick skillet โ thatโs all it takes!
Pro tip:
Donโt move the fish around while it sears โ let it develop that perfect crust before flipping.
The side salad is light and crisp โ Bibb lettuce, cucumber, and red onion tossed simply with lemon juice and olive oil. It cuts through the richness of the sauce and adds a clean finish to every bite.
Plate each cod fillet over the salad and drizzle generously with the mustard-caper sauce. The contrast of warm fish and cool, tangy sauce is divine ๐คค.
This dish pairs wonderfully with:
Each serving (one cod fillet with salad) has approximately:
Light, balanced, and nutrient-dense โ this recipe fits perfectly into a healthy eating routine without compromising on taste.
Sometimes the best meals are the simplest ones. With minimal ingredients and zero-fuss prep, this Seared Cod with No-Cook Mustard-Caper Sauce proves that healthy doesnโt have to mean boring. Itโs elegant enough for date night and easy enough for your busiest weekday dinners.
Enjoy this fresh, flavorful dish โ and donโt forget that spoonful of mustard-caper magic on top! ๐
A light, protein-packed cod dish with a tangy mustard-caper sauce and fresh salad. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal.

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In a small bowl, stir together mustard, capers, tarragon, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and water. Set aside.
Warm 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
Season cod fillets with salt and pepper.
Cook cod until opaque throughout, about 4 to 7 minutes per side. Remove from heat and plate.
In a large bowl, toss torn Bibb lettuce, sliced cucumber, sliced red onion, lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Drizzle reserved mustard-caper sauce over cod and serve with salad.
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Serving Size: 1 cod fillet with salad
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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Michael Matthews (adapted by JojoM)
Caitlin Latessa-Greene (Star Infinite Food) adapted by JojoM