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Pan-Fried Fish with Corn and Chili Sauce

Sunnyside Cook

Dawn Dobie
Fresh-cut corn in a chili-infused sauce sits atop delicate fish fillets
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

For the sauce

  • 2 ears of fresh corn
  • 1 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 shallot finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped jalapeño chili (more or less to taste)
  • 1 small clove garlic minced
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1/4 cup whipping cream
  • salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

For the fish

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 6-ounce fish fillets (I used cod)
  • salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley leaves

Instructions
 

For the sauce

  • Using a sharp knife, cut the kernels from each ear of corn into a bowl. Once the kernels have been removed, use the back side of the knife to run down the cob and remove any additional juices, collecting the corn “milk” in the bowl with the kernels. Set aside.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium skillet over low heat. Add shallot and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
  • Add the red bell pepper and jalapeño, turn the heat to medium high, and cook for another 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Add the garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
  • Add the chili powder and cook for 1 minute, allowing the spices to bloom.
  • Add the corn to the skillet and stir to combine. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cook for 2 minutes. Taste for seasonings and adjust as desired.
  • Add the cream to the corn mixture. Stir, allowing the flavors to meld, for 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.

For the fish

  • Use paper towels to blot the surface of the fillets and remove as much moisture as possible.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium high heat until shimmering in a nonstick skillet.
  • While the pan is heating, season one side of the fish fillets with salt and pepper.
  • Place the fillets in the skillet, seasoned side down, and allow to cook for about 4 minutes. Season the top of the fish with salt and pepper.
  • Flip the fish and cook an additional 4 minutes.
  • Rewarm the sauce and add 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice.

To serve

  • Place the fish on serving plates.
  • Spoon the warm corn sauce over the fish filets. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley.

Notes

The sauce can be made several hours ahead. Transfer to container, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to cook the fish, rewarm and add lemon juice right before serving.
Adapted from Bon Appétit (July 1989)