Can you pan-fry cod while it is frozen?

Frozen cod will cook unevenly and may result in a portion of the fish being overcooked while the inside remains undercooked. Cooking frozen fish carries a foodborne illness risk as potentially harmful bacteria can survive the cooking process. To stay safe, it's recommended to thaw cod completely and then pan-fry it. The general guidelines are:

1. Thawing: The safest method to thaw cod is in the refrigerator. Allow several hours or overnight for it to thaw thoroughly. Alternatively, you can place the frozen cod in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until it's thawed.

2. Pat Dry: Once thawed, pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps achieve a crispier crust when pan-frying.

3. Seasoning: Season the cod fillets with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices before pan-frying.

4. Pan-frying: Heat some cooking oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned cod fillets in the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

By following these steps, you can pan-fry cod safely and enjoy a delicious, well-cooked meal.