Almond Crusted Cod

While on vacation in Aruba, we dined at an adorable little restaurant called Madame Janette. They make a famous almond crusted grouper, which they claim is “often copied, never reached!” That sounded like a challenge to me so I had to go right home and try it. Their version was served with a creamed spinach sauce, which I did not attempt. Since I could not find grouper, I used cod (see tips). I stuck to the basics, doing my best to replicate the flaky fish with a tender crust of crushed and sliced almonds. I kept it very simple here and I hope you are as pleased with the outcome as I was!

4 – 4 oz. cod fillets (see tips)
Kosher salt
Freshly grated black pepper
1 large egg
1/2 cup almond meal (see tips)
1/2 cup raw sliced almonds
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Lemon wedges, for serving

Sprinkle fish on both sides with salt and pepper. Crack the egg onto a plate or shallow bowl, then scramble it gently with a fork. On another plate, combine the almond meal and sliced almonds.
Coat the fish on both sides with egg, then dredge it in the almond mixture using your fingers to help it adhere to both sides of the fish.
Place the butter and olive oil in a large skillet and warm over medium heat. Swirl it around the pan to coat the entire surface, then add the fish taking care not to crowd the pan. Cook until each side is golden brown and fish is just cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from the pan by carefully sliding a spatula underneath as not to disturb the delicate crust.
Serve with lemon wedges.
Quick Tips
1. I often use the wild Alaskan cod fillets found at Whole Foods in the freezer section when I need a mild white fish. Each 12 oz. package contains 2-3 fillets. Defrost them in the refrigerator overnight. Or if you are like me and forget to do so, set them in a pan of cold water for 20 minutes to thaw in a hurry. If you have access to grouper, by all means try it here.
2. Almond meal is simply almonds finely ground into a flour. They sell one pound bags of almond meal at Trader Joe’s. I will be experimenting with almond meal for all my “breading” needs.

Preparation time: 5 minute(s)

Cooking time: 10 minute(s)

Number of servings (yield): 4

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