Recipe
Pan-Seared Cod in Salsa with Queso Fresco
Quick and flavorful keto-friendly fish dinner featuring tender cod fillets seasoned with cumin and chili powder, then seared and simmered in chunky salsa. Topped with creamy sour cream, fresh avocado, and crumbled queso fresco for a satisfying low-carb meal.
Prep time
5 min
Cook time
10 min
Total time
15 min
Servings
2
Net carbs
0g
Appliance
Stove
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Email me a sign-in linkIngredients
What you need
Adjust servings
2 servings- 12 oz boneless cod fillets
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup chunky salsa (low-carb)
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 2 oz queso fresco, crumbled (or cheddar cheese)
Instructions
How to cook it
Prep timer
Cooking cue
Cook fish until it flakes easily and reaches about 125F to 130F in the thickest part.
- Set a large skillet or saute pan over medium to medium-high heat and keep the ingredients close so the cooking stays fast and even.
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and place on a clean plate.
- In a small bowl, combine the ground cumin, chili powder, and salt. Sprinkle this spice mixture evenly over both sides of the cod fillets.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Carefully place the seasoned cod fillets in the hot skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes without moving them, until a golden crust forms on the bottom.
- Flip the fillets gently and sear the other side for another 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium and pour the chunky salsa around and over the cod fillets.
- Cover the skillet and let the fish simmer in the salsa for 3-4 minutes, until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature should reach 145°F).
- Remove from heat and transfer the cod and salsa to serving plates.
- Top each portion with a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, and crumbled queso fresco before serving.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning at the end, then serve while everything is hot or freshly chilled.
Source & attribution
www.dietdoctor.com · IMPORTED
Source instructions were minimal, so cooking method was inferred based on recipe title and ingredients. Assumes medium-high heat for searing and medium heat for simmering. Choose a low-carb salsa without added sugars to keep this recipe keto-friendly. Timing adjusted slightly to account for realistic prep and cooking.