Poached Cod With Fennel Orange (Printable)

Tender cod gently poached with fresh fennel and sweet orange for a light, aromatic Mediterranean main course.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Fish & Aromatics

01 - 4 fresh cod fillets, skinless, 5.3 oz each
02 - 1 large fennel bulb, thinly sliced with fronds reserved
03 - 1 orange, zested and thinly sliced
04 - 1 small shallot, thinly sliced
05 - 2 garlic cloves, smashed

→ Poaching Liquid

06 - 2 cups low-sodium fish or vegetable stock
07 - ½ cup dry white wine
08 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
09 - 1 bay leaf
10 - ½ teaspoon sea salt
11 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ To Serve

12 - Reserved fennel fronds, chopped
13 - Extra orange zest
14 - Freshly ground black pepper

# How To Make:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add sliced fennel, shallot, and garlic; cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
02 - Add orange slices, orange zest, bay leaf, white wine, and stock to the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer.
03 - Season cod fillets lightly with salt and pepper. Nestle them into the poaching liquid in a single layer.
04 - Reduce heat to low, cover, and gently poach the cod for 8 to 10 minutes until fillets are opaque and flake easily with a fork.
05 - Using a slotted spatula, carefully transfer cod and fennel to serving plates. Spoon poaching liquid and orange slices over the top.
06 - Garnish with chopped fennel fronds, extra orange zest, and black pepper. Serve immediately.

# Top Tips:

01 -
  • Healthy & Light: Naturally Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and Low Carb.
  • Quick Preparation: A sophisticated main dish ready in just 35 minutes.
  • Elegant Flavors: The classic combination of sweet fennel and bright orange perfectly complements the delicate cod.
02 -
  • Don't Overcook: The fish is ready as soon as it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  • Zest First: Always zest your orange before slicing it to make the process easier.
  • Freshness Matters: Using fresh fennel and its fronds adds a crucial aromatic layer to the final presentation.
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