Citrus and seafood go together like peanut butter and chocolate. It’s a magical combination in the food world. One enhances the other and brings out the best in both. Chocolate on its own is lovely. Add peanut butter and it’s divine. Citrus gives a certain freshness to seafood no matter how it is prepared. One of my favorite combinations is seared cod with grapefruit fennel slaw. I’ve made it often during grapefruit season. Sometimes I switch out the fish to halibut depending on availability.
I discovered this dish years ago. If you have been following along my blog, you may remember how my husband and I have very different tastes in seafood (not counting shellfish). He only wants it battered and fried. I want it every way except that. I’ll take it raw (sushi/sashimi), steamed, seared, broiled, grilled, and roasted. Back when he worked evening shifts is when I cooked more seafood for myself. Seared cod with grapefruit fennel slaw was one of my go-to meals. I like the slaw so much I would eat the leftovers with sandwiches or as a side.
One thing is learned to do is segmenting a grapefruit. I’m not fond of the chewy membranes and I don’t think many people like them either. It is why most people cut a grapefruit in half and dig out the pulp. To segment, cut off the top and bottom, cut off the peel and pith, and then cut out the pulp close to the membrane. Handle the segments delicately because they will come apart easily. They will come apart in the slaw after it sits for a bit. It does not affect the flavor, it is only a visual change.
Citrus goes with much more than seafood. Have you seen my citrus cocktail? Or lemon pie tartlets? Or salad dressing? There are more recipes to be discovered too. Scroll down to find them.
Seared Cod with Grapefruit Fennel Slaw
Ingredients
For the grapefruit fennel slaw:
- 1 large grapefruit
- 1/4 cup grapefruit juice
- 1 teaspoon grated grapefruit zest
- 1 fennel bulb
- 1/4 cup pitted Greek olives sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
For the seared cod:
- 1 tablespoon light cooking oil
- 4 pieces cod 6 ounces each with skin and bones removed
- Salt and fresh ground pepper
- Fennel fronds for garnish
Instructions
For the grapefruit fennel slaw:
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Zest the grapefruit first and add the zest to a large bowl.
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Cut off top, bottom and the outside peel and pith from the grapefruit. Over a small bowl, use a knife to cut out the segments. Cut as close to the membranes as possible. Lift out the segments and place on a plate. When finished squeeze all the juice from what is left of the grapefruit.
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Cut the fennel bulb in half. Cut out the hard core in the center. Thinly slice the fennel using a mandoline or as thinly as possible with a knife. (Possible alternative to slice/shred with a food processor). Place the fennel slices in the large bowl with the zest.
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Add the grapefruit juice, olives, parsley, salt, and pepper flakes to the bowl and stir to combine. Add the olive oil and stir to combine. Add the grapefruit segments and gently stir to combine.
For the seared cod:
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Place a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and heat until almost smoking. Season the cod with salt and pepper. Add the cod to the pan and cook for 2 to 4 minutes per side, depending on thickness. The cod should be lightly browned and will flake easily.
To serve:
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Divide the slaw onto 4 plates. Top with the cod. Garnish with fennel fronds. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
The grapefruit segments will come apart the longer the slaw sets or if stirred too much.
Recipe adapted from one by Giada De Laurentiis on the Food Network website.
Today’s Sunday Supper event is all about celebrating citrus. Get your juicer and zester ready because there are so many wonderful recipes you will want to try:
Better with Citrus Breakfasts:
- Orange Ricotta Pancakes from Gotta Get Baked
Big On Citrus Breads & Condiments:
- Honey Lime Dressing from Ruffles & Truffles
- Lemon Poppyseed Sweet Bread from Food Lust People Love
- Meyer Lemon Pistachio Loaf from The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
- Moroccan Preserved Lemons from MarocMama
Make You Pucker Salads, Sides, & Main Dishes:
- Ceviche from Cookistry
- Cilantro Lime Rice from Crazy Foodie Stunts
- Citrus Ginger Chicken from Kudos Kitchen
- Easy Indian Lemon Chicken from Soni’s Food
- Grilled Orange & Lime Chicken Thighs from Big Bear’s Wife
- Meyer Lemon-Garlic Shrimp & Asparagus with Brown Rice from Daily Dish Recipes
- Orange Chicken from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Red Cabbage and Red Pepper Salad with Citrus Dressing from Family Foodie
- Seared Cod with Grapefruit Fennel Slaw from Magnolia Days
- Tangy Lemon Rice with Grated Mango & Roasted Cashew from Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
Sour Citrusy Sweets & Desserts:
- Blood Orange Sorbet from My Cute Bride
- Broiled Oranges with Toasted Coconut from Neighborfood
- Clementine Curd from Small Wallet Big Appetite
- Creamsicle Cupcakes from The Meltaways
- Dairyfree Key Lime Meringue Bliss from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
- Fresh Lemon Mousse from Comfy Cuisine
- Frozen Lemon Dessert from Gourmet Drizzles
- Gluten Free Orange Pound Cake from Simply Gourmet
- Honey and Lemon Cake from Happy Baking Days
- Key Lime Biscotti from Juanita’s Cocina
- Key Lime Cheesecake from Flour on My Face
- Key Lime Cookie Bars from Supper for a Steal
- Key Lime Truffles from What Smells So Good?
- Lemon Blueberry Polenta Cake from Vintage Kitchen Notes
- Lemon Coconut Cinnamon Rolls from Chocolate Moosey
- Lemon Cookies from Basic N Delicious
- Lemon Cream Pie Push Pops from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Lemon Layer Cake from Crispy Bits & Burnt Ends
- Lemon Ricotta Cake from The Urban Mrs.
- Meyer Lemon Snack Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting from Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Mini Meyer Lemon Pies from Cravings of a Lunatic
- Mini Orange Cream & Lemon Cream Scones from The Foodie Army Wife
- No-Bake Lemon Cheese Cakes w/Blueberry-Lemon Sauce from Momma’s Meals
- Olive Oil Cake with Orange Marmalade from Hip Foodie Mom
- Omiyage California Citrus Cake from Ninja Baking
- Orange Cake with Orange Syrup from The Lovely Pantry
- Pink Grapefruit Pie from In the Kitchen With Audrey and Maurene
- Pink Lemonade Pound Cake from In the Kitchen with KP
- Sugar-Free Lemon Meringue Pie from Webicurean
- Tarte au Citron from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Sour Sips & Drinks:
- {DIY} Arancello and Limoncello from girlichef
- Orange Creamsicle Smoothies from Mama.Mommy.Mom
It’s time to head to the store and get more fruit. I am certainly craving citrus after reading all those recipes. Now what will I make next? Who knows. Which citrus fruit would you want to use first?
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Announcing the Food and Wine Conference sponsored by Sunday Supper! It’s being held in July in beautiful, sunny Orlando, FL. It’s a must for food bloggers. Check it out by clicking here -> Food and Wine Conference
The Ninja Baker says
Your grapefruit fennel slaw recipe and photo looks so good! What a brilliant invention. And, yes, you are right. Citrus is the perfect compliment to fish.
P.s. Happy to show you the best sushi places in LA =)
Renee says
Thanks Kim and I would love it if you would show me the best sushi place in LA if I ever get out that way.
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen says
It always amazes me how I can find a fish dish so inviting, when I don´t eat fish. It must be your pic Renee! I love that slaw, amazing flavors! Have a great day.
Renee says
You should try the slaw anyway. It is a nice side dish for a lot of things.
Jen @JuanitasCocina says
You know, I never think of making cod, but I love it. I love how fresh this must be!
Renee says
Thanks Jen and I think it’s about time you cooked some cod…
Lane @ Supper for a Steal says
Oh I love grapefruit. In the winter it is my go to breakfast. This slaw sounds amazing.
Renee says
Thanks Lane. You are lucky to have fresh-picked grapefruit so plentiful around you in Florida. I wish it was that way here in Georgia.
Heather @girlichef says
I think I could eat fish in any form imaginable…and I definitely want to try this dish. The slaw sounds like it compliments the cod perfectly. Delicious!
Renee says
Thanks Heather. Try the slaw with halibut too. It does compliment the fish really well.
[email protected] says
WOW..a real show stopper! I have never used fennel and this slaw has inspired me to try something new. I love the use of the grapefruit too.
Renee says
Thank Sherron!
Katy says
I wouldn’t have thought of grapefruit, but I really should try it more. This dish sounds so fresh and delicious!
Renee says
Thanks Katy! I really like grapefruit over the rest of the citrus fruits. I had to share my favorite dish with it for this event.
Bea says
I love fennel, and citrus plus I need to incorporate more fish into our diet. This is the perfect dish!!! Thank you 🙂
Renee says
Thanks Bea!
Karen Hartzell (@InTheKitchenKP) says
Gorgeous dish, Renee! I’ll bring dessert if you make this for me! 🙂
Happy Easter!
Renee says
Sure Karen! Sounds like a good plan to me.
Liz says
I’m with you on how I like to eat my seafood! Your fennel slaw sounds terrific…and perfect with the seared cod!
Renee says
Thanks Liz!
Susan says
The slaw sounds so lovely with the cod! I always love new fish recipes.
Renee says
Thanks Susan. It goes wonderfully with halibut too.
Soni says
I love seafood and could enjoy it everyday if I could 🙂 Your slaw sounds perfect with the cod!Love the fennel citrus combo!
Renee says
Thank you Soni! Nice to see another seafood lover like me.
Amanda @ Marocmama says
This looks like a really light meal – but one that would leave you licking the plate!
Renee says
Thanks Amanda!
Carla says
I usually don’t cook fish fillets too often (the place that sells fresh seafood is a 40 minute trip over the mountain, which means I rarely go, which means I don’t want to buy fish and store in the freezer which is now broken…), but if I do get a piece of fish and can cook it that night or the next day, I know I’ll have to try this cod!
Renee says
It’s a drive for me to get fresh fish too. At least recently a store opened that is somewhat closer. I wish the grocery store by my house had a better selection.
Anne @ Webicurean says
Citrus and seafood create the perfect marriage! Speaking of which, my husband too only eats shrimp and stuff like that if it’s fried. Silly guys.
Renee says
What is it with those silly guys? Maybe one day they will come around.
Jaime says
I love the recipe for the grapefruit fennel slaw!! I have some fennel in the fridge and now wished I had grapefruit and olives too.
Renee says
Thanks Jaime!
Laura | Small Wallet, Big Appetite says
How have I not done grapefruit with seafood before? This looks incredible
Renee says
I don’t know Laura, but there is always a first time.
Conni @FoodieArmyWife says
My hubby and I have the same disagreement about seafood – but I don’t mind eating it fried – I just won’t fry it. HE has to do it, preferably outside! LOL
Renee says
Now that’s a good thing if he fries the fish outside. I’ll have to do that if I ever fry fish for my husband. Glad I have a side burner on my grill. I could grill mine and fry his at the same time.
Sarah says
I love cod, too bad I hate grapefruit and fennel! It’s definitely adaptable though 🙂
Lyn @LovelyPantry says
What a refreshing dish! I’ve never seen grapefruit used in this way. I must say, it looks veeeery interesting! Grapefruit + fennel!
Renee says
Thanks Lyn! I wondered about grapefruit and fennel before I made it for the first time. One taste and I knew it was an awesome combo.
Katie says
What an absolutely beautiful plate of food! I have never thought to try grapefruit with a savory dish like this…but you have me convinced…the grapefruit fennel slaw sounds amazing!
Renee says
Thanks Katie! The slaw is really amazing to me. I could eat it any day.
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
yummmm! Renee, I love a good cod recipe! Can’t wait to try this one! Delicious!
Renee says
Thanks Alice!
Kim Bee says
Oh my gosh Renee, I’ll be right over. This is fabulous. Happy Easter!
Renee says
Come on over Kim! It will be ready when you get here.
Family Foodie says
I love cod and love that I know have a new recipe to try. What a great idea to use the combination of grapefruit and fennel.
Renee says
Thanks Isabel!
Stacy says
My husband loves all seafood but he is not a fan of grapefruit so I am putting this on my list of things to make next time he travels. I can just imagine the flavor mix of grapefruit and fennel and I know I will love it! Especially with some seared cod.
Renee says
There are a lot of people who are not a fan of grapefruit. A possibility is to substitute orange but I haven’t tried it yet.
Diana @GourmetDrizzles says
I love the blending of grapefruit with the fennel, and olives- fantastic! Sounds like a perfect meal, and so pretty! Thanks for sharing 😉
Renee says
Thanks Diana!
Nancy @ gottagetbaked says
The Husband and I love fish, no matter how it’s made. This sounds lovely, Renee, the perfect light, fresh, vibrant spring-time dinner. Thanks for the tips on segmenting grapefruit – I’ve got one sitting in the fridge just waiting for me to eat 🙂
Renee says
Thanks Nancy! Good for you that your husband like seafood the same as you. It must make it easy when you are craving fish and can make it however you want and it’s for the both of you.
Tammi @ Momma's Meals says
I don’t eat fish but I bet that slaw would be great with anything!! I have to try it! Thanks for sharing!
Renee says
The slaw is a nice side and would go with a lot of things (pork, chicken, etc).
Sarah says
I will take seafood anyway you give it to me! I love it raw, steamed, grilled broiled and DEEP FRIED! I love a good fish and chips. Yummy! But this looks so much better! I bet that slaw makes an amazing combo with the cod. Lots and lots of olives for me please!
Renee says
Thanks Sarah! I’m the same with the olives. I actually have a few extra to add to it when I eating this dish.
Sunithi says
Love that slaw and it must go so well with that cod ! Delish. I often bake Bass. Next time I can try pairing with this slaw ! love grapefruit too !
Renee says
I love bass too. The slaw should be nice with it also.