Salsa-Simmered Fish

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 15 mins

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 4 Servings

A jar of salsa is more often thought of a snack with tortilla chips or a condiment for tacos than an ingredient in your kitchen. Let this recipe change that mentality. Here, salsa is used as both a flavorful poaching liquid and sauce for flaky white fish.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 (1/2- to 3/4-inch thick) skinless cod fillets (6 ounces each)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
16 ounces tomato salsa (about 2 cups)
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh oregano leaves
Cooked rice, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Heat the oil in a large nonstick frying pan over medium heat until shimmering. Meanwhile, pat the fish dry with paper towels. Sprinkle evenly with the cumin, salt, and pepper on both sides. Place the fish in the pan and sear undisturbed for 1 minute. Carefully flip with a flat spatula and sear for 1 minute more. Transfer to a plate and set aside (the fish will not be cooked through at this point).
Add the garlic to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the vinegar and use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the salsa.
Return the cod fillets and any accumulated juices to the pan. Simmer uncovered until the fish is opaque and just cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes.
If using rice, place in 4 shallow bowls. Place a piece of fish in each bowl and spoon the salsa around it. Sprinkle with the oregano and serve immediately.