Shrimp and Cod in Creamy Garlic Sauce
Introduction
Shrimp and Cod in Creamy Garlic Sauce is a luxurious yet comforting seafood dish that perfectly balances delicate flavors with rich creaminess. Tender cod flakes and juicy shrimp simmer in a velvety garlic-infused sauce, creating a meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish celebrates the natural sweetness of seafood while offering restaurant-quality depth in every bite.
Inspired by coastal European cuisines, especially French and Mediterranean traditions, Shrimp and Cod in Creamy Garlic Sauce embodies the connection between sea and table. Simple, fresh ingredients are elevated into gourmet comfort food that delights both the palate and the eyes.
Why This Recipe Works
Shrimp and Cod in Creamy Garlic Sauce works because each ingredient and step complements the other to create a harmonious dish:
Seafood: Cod is mild and flaky, absorbing the rich sauce, while shrimp adds natural sweetness and texture.
Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic depth and a subtle sweetness when gently sautéed.
Cream: Heavy cream gives the sauce body, creating a silky, luxurious texture that carries the flavors perfectly.
White Wine or Seafood Stock: Deglazes the pan and lifts browned bits, adding savory depth and complexity.
Lemon Juice: Balances richness with a fresh, tangy brightness, keeping the dish from feeling heavy.
Gentle Cooking: Ensures the seafood remains tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked.
The combination of these elements makes Shrimp and Cod in Creamy Garlic Sauce a foolproof recipe that delivers both flavor and elegance.
What You’ll Need For This Recipe
To prepare Shrimp and Cod in Creamy Garlic Sauce, gather the following ingredients (serves 4):
Main Ingredients:
Shrimp (peeled and deveined): 300 g (10 oz)
Cod fillets (boneless, skinless): 400 g (14 oz), cut into chunks
Butter: 2 tablespoons
Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
Garlic (minced): 4 cloves
Shallot or small onion (finely chopped): 1
Heavy cream: 1 cup (240 ml)
White wine or seafood stock: ½ cup (120 ml)
Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
Fresh parsley (chopped): 2 tablespoons
Salt and black pepper: to taste
Parmesan cheese (optional): 2 tablespoons, grated
Optional Additions:
Spinach or kale for extra color and nutrition
Cherry tomatoes for sweetness and tang
Mushrooms for earthy flavor
Chili flakes for a gentle kick
Linguine, rice, or crusty bread for serving
How To Make Shrimp and Cod in Creamy Garlic Sauce
Follow these steps for perfect results:
1. Prepare the Seafood:
Pat shrimp and cod dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper. Drying ensures better searing and prevents watery sauce.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté shallots until soft and fragrant, then add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.
3. Add the Liquid Base:
Pour in white wine or seafood stock, simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly and capture all the flavorful bits from the pan.
4. Incorporate the Cream:
Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, coating the back of a spoon.
5. Cook the Seafood:
Add cod chunks first, cooking for 3–4 minutes. Then add shrimp and cook another 2–3 minutes, until shrimp turn pink and cod flakes easily.
6. Finish the Dish:
Stir in lemon juice, chopped parsley, and optional Parmesan. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
7. Serve Immediately:
Plate Shrimp and Cod in Creamy Garlic Sauce hot over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread to soak up every drop of sauce.
Tips + Tricks
Do Not Overcook Seafood: Shrimp and cod cook quickly; remove from heat once opaque and flaky.
Use Fresh Garlic: Powdered garlic cannot replicate the aroma and flavor depth of fresh garlic.
Deglaze Properly: White wine or stock lifts the fond from the pan, enriching the sauce.
Simmer Gently: Avoid boiling the cream to prevent curdling.
Balance with Acid: Lemon juice brightens the dish and cuts through richness.
More For Recipe Success
Use room temperature seafood to ensure even cooking.
Chop parsley finely for even distribution of freshness.
Consider adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for color and nutrition.
Serve immediately; reheating can make the sauce separate.
For extra flavor, sprinkle a little chili flake for subtle heat.
Following these tips ensures your Shrimp and Cod in Creamy Garlic Sauce comes out restaurant-quality every time.
How to Serve Shrimp and Cod in Creamy Garlic Sauce
Serve hot for the best experience. The creamy garlic sauce clings beautifully to seafood, pasta, and rice. For a complete meal, plate over linguine, fettuccine, or a bed of steamed rice. Crusty bread is also ideal for soaking up the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and a light drizzle of lemon for extra vibrancy.
Serving Suggestions
Over linguine tossed lightly with olive oil
With steamed jasmine or basmati rice
Accompanied by sautéed vegetables like asparagus or green beans
Paired with a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
Serving this way enhances the flavors while providing a balanced, elegant meal.
Time
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
This quick preparation makes Shrimp and Cod in Creamy Garlic Sauce perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Description
The finished dish features flaky cod and succulent shrimp in a rich, garlicky cream sauce. Each bite offers a perfect combination of flavors: the mild sweetness of seafood, the buttery aroma of garlic and cream, the brightness of lemon, and freshness from parsley. Optional Parmesan adds a nutty depth, making Shrimp and Cod in Creamy Garlic Sauce irresistibly smooth and indulgent.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 410 kcal
Protein: 35 g
Fat: 26 g
Carbohydrates: 5 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 520 mg
Values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.