Aromatic Basque Cod al Pil-Pil
Delightful Spanish-style cod with a flavorful garlic and olive oil emulsion
A traditional Basque dish where fresh cod is cooked in its own flavorful garlic and olive oil emulsion, creating a creamy texture infused with the aroma of spice and herbs.
- 55 min
- 4
- Intermediate
Ingredients
For the Cod
For the Pil-Pil Sauce
For the Herbs
For Garnishing
Preparation
Marinating the Cod
Season the cod
Season the cod fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
Rest at room temperature
Let the cod rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to absorb the seasoning.
Preparing the Pil-Pil Sauce
Heat the oil
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over low heat.
⚠ Important: Do not overheat the olive oil, as it can lose its delicate flavor.
Add garlic and chili
Add the garlic slices and chili, allowing them to gently sizzle without coloring too much for about 5 minutes.
Infuse flavors
Remove the pan from heat and set aside, letting the flavors infuse.
💡 Pro Tip: Be gentle with the pil-pil sauce; stirring slowly will help it emulsify smoothly.
Cooking Process
Cod Cooking
Heat the infused oil and gently place the cod fillets skin-side down. Cook gently for about 8 minutes, basting continuously.
Emulsion Creation
Tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to drizzle hot oil gently over the fish to help create the emulsion.
Finish & Serve
When the cod is cooked through and the sauce has emulsified, remove it from the heat.
Plating & Serving
Aromatic Basque Cod al Pil-Pil
Aromatic Basque Cod al Pil-Pil
Serve and garnish
Serve the cod fillets on warmed plates with a generous drizzle of pil-pil sauce, garnished with fresh parsley and a lemon slice for zesty brightness.
Sauce Pairings
Garnishes & Accompaniments
Perfect Sides
Related recipes
More dishes you might like — same culture, meal type, or style.
Afghan Tandoori Lamb Chops with Citrus Yogurt Drizzle
A fragrant lamb dish infused with exotic spices
Afghani Kabuli Pulao with Tender Lamb and Golden Raisins
A fragrant and savory rice dish with hints of sweetness
African Hazel Cocoa Spiced Chicken with Plantain Mash
A Fusion of Rich African Spices and Sweet Plantain Flavors
African Ndolé with Crushed Peanuts and Spicy Prawns
Delightful Cameroonian Stew
African Peanut Butter and Honey Chicken Skewers with Fresh Pineapple Slices
A Sweet and Savory Grilled Delight
African Peri Peri Chicken with Grilled Pineapple Salsa
A Spicy Delight with a Sweet Tropical Twist