1. Preheat and Prepare the Cod

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Drying the fish ensures a good sear and prevents sticking.
• Season both sides of the cod fillets generously with salt and pepper.

2. Sear the Cod

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
• Gently place the cod fillets in the pan and sear for about 2 minutes on each side. The goal is to achieve a light golden crust—this locks in moisture and adds flavor.
• Transfer the seared cod fillets to a baking dish lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking.

3. Bake the Cod

• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes.
• You’ll know the cod is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque. Avoid overcooking as cod is a delicate fish.

4. Prepare the Orange Beurre Blanc

• In the same skillet used for searing (to retain the flavorful bits), combine the orange juice, orange zest, white wine, white wine vinegar, and finely chopped shallots.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and reduce by half. This intensifies the flavors and creates the foundation for the sauce.

5. Finish the Sauce

• Once reduced, stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
• Gradually whisk in the chilled butter cubes, one piece at a time, until the sauce becomes smooth and glossy. The key here is to keep the sauce on low heat to prevent the butter from separating.
• Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Plate and Serve

• Place each baked cod fillet on a plate and generously drizzle with the orange beurre blanc sauce.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.