Our Easy Pan-Fried Cod with Roasted Potato Wedges and Kale Chips recipe is the perfect solution for those seeking “healthy meal prep” options that won’t break the bank. Say goodbye to the guilt of traditional “fish and chips” and hello to a cost-effective, home-cooked delight. With this fish recipe, we’ll show you how to achieve crispy perfection without deep-frying, ensuring a meal that’s as delightful for your taste buds as it is for your wallet. So, if you’re on the hunt for “easy dinner ideas” that prioritize your health and savings, let’s dive right in!
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Why You’ll Enjoy This Fish Recipe
- One of the top reasons to love this dish is that it skips the deep-frying process. Traditional fish and chips are often dunked into a vat of hot oil, which can add extra calories and unhealthy fats to your meal. Instead, we pan-fry the cod in a minimal amount of heart-healthy olive oil, preserving the delicious taste without the guilt.
- This fish recipe is designed with busy schedules in mind. The components, such as the cod, potato wedges, and kale chips, can be prepared simultaneously in the oven and on the stovetop, minimizing active cooking time. Once prepped, you’ll have multiple servings ready to enjoy throughout the week, saving you valuable time on busy workdays.
- Meal prepping can also contribute to significant cost savings, and this recipe is no exception. Buying ingredients like cod, russet potatoes, and kale in bulk is often more economical than dining out or ordering delivery. Plus, by preparing multiple portions at once, you’ll have a week’s worth of satisfying meals that won’t strain your budget, making it an ideal choice for busy individuals looking to save money without sacrificing taste or nutrition.
Simple Ingredients for Fish and Chips
- Cod, is a lean source of protein that’s bursting with nutrients. It’s low in fat and calories while being packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, iodine, and selenium. Cod is also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health and reduce inflammation, perfect for this fish recipe.
- The Superfood Sidekick Kale takes the spotlight as our greens of choice, and for good reason. This leafy green is a nutrient powerhouse, rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and potassium. Kale is also loaded with antioxidants and fiber, making it a fantastic addition to your meal prep for its numerous health benefits.
- Budget-Friendly Russet Potatoes Russet potatoes are the unsung heroes of this recipe. They provide a satisfying crunch without the need for deep frying. Plus, they’re a wallet-friendly option, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal without breaking the bank. Potatoes are a great source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients like vitamin C and potassium.
How to Prepare This Pan-Fried Cod Recipe
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Start by peeling the russet potatoes and then slicing them into wedges. You can adjust the size of the wedges to your preference. In a large mixing bowl, sprinkle the potato wedges with your favorite seasonings. A pinch of salt, black pepper, and a dash of paprika work wonders. Toss the wedges to ensure even seasoning.
- Drizzle a generous amount of olive oil over the seasoned potato wedges. Again, toss them well to ensure they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. Place the seasoned potato wedges on a baking sheet, spreading them out in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly. Bake the potato wedges in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they become crispy and turn a beautiful golden brown.
- After you’ve cooked the potato wedges, lower the oven temperature to 275°F (135°C). While the oven is cooling down, prepare the kale chips. Remove the stems from the kale leaves and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, coat the torn kale leaves with a drizzle of olive oil. Massage the oil into the leaves to ensure they are lightly coated. Sprinkle the kale leaves with your choice of seasonings. A touch of salt and perhaps some garlic powder or nutritional yeast can add extra flavor.
- Place the seasoned kale leaves on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake the kale in the oven at the lower temperature for about 10-15 minutes, or until they turn crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking; kale chips can burn quickly.
- In a shallow bowl, mix together cornstarch and your preferred seasonings. This will be used to coat the cod fillets, providing a delicious crispy texture. Take each cod fillet and dredge it in the seasoned cornstarch mixture, making sure to coat the fish evenly on all sides.
- Heat a sauté pan over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of cooking oil. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the cod fillets. Carefully place the coated cod fillets into the hot pan. Pan-fry each side for about 5 to 6 minutes, or until the fish is fully cooked and turns crispy and golden brown.
- Once the cod fillets are cooked, remove them from the pan and let them drain briefly on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
Reference the recipe card below for detailed instructions.
Meal Prep Tips
- Storage Tips: Store cooked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Leftover potato wedges and kale can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating Tips: To maintain its crispy texture, reheat cod in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. You can also use an air fryer for a quick reheating, which will help preserve its crispiness.Reheat potato wedges in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until they’re hot and crispy again. Using an oven or toaster oven is preferable to maintain their crunch. Kale Chips can briefly be reheated in the oven at a low temperature (around 200°F or 95°C) for a few minutes. Be careful not to overheat, as they can burn quickly. You can also heat all the ingredients in the microwave, but they may not be as crispy.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you prefer a different type of fish, such as haddock, tilapia, or salmon, feel free to substitute it for cod. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the thickness of the fillets. While kale is a nutrient-packed option, you can also use other leafy greens like spinach or Swiss chard if you’re not a fan of kale. If you’d like a lower-carb option, consider swapping russet potatoes for rutabaga or even parsnips for a different flavor profile. Get creative with your seasoning blends! Experiment with herbs, spices, or citrus zest to customize the flavors to your liking in this fish recipe.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cod fillets for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cod fillets. Just make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator before starting the recipe.
How can I reduce the oil used in pan-frying the cod?
Use a non-stick pan and a cooking spray to minimize the amount of oil needed for pan-frying.
How can I make the kale chips extra crispy?
Ensure the kale leaves are dry before seasoning and baking. Excess moisture can make them less crispy. You can also try baking them on a wire rack to allow for better airflow.
Pan-Fried Cod with Kale Chips and Potato Wedges
Equipment
Ingredients
Fish
Kale Chips
Potato Wedges
Instructions
Potato Wedges
Kale Chips
Fish