Description
This Pan-Seared Mediterranean Cod in Tomato Basil Sauce is a vibrant and healthy seafood dish featuring tender cod fillets perfectly seared and served in a flavorful sauce made from fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, and a hint of lemon. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s an ideal recipe for a quick weeknight dinner that brings Mediterranean flavors to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (divided)
- ¼ cup fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 tsp fresh lemon zest
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
For the Cod
- 4 fresh cod fillets (6 oz each)
- Additional salt and pepper for seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce base: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes and 3 cloves of finely minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant and aromatic.
- Cook the tomatoes: Stir in 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 9-12 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their juices, developing a rich and flavorful base for the sauce.
- Add broth and lemon juice: Pour in ½ cup of vegetable broth and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Let the mixture simmer gently to combine the flavors and slightly reduce the liquid.
- Season and finish sauce: Mix in ¼ cup of fresh chopped basil, the remaining 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon granulated sugar, and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes, then remove the sauce from heat.
- Prepare the cod fillets: Pat dry the 4 cod fillets with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides generously with additional salt and pepper.
- Sear the cod: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Place the cod fillets carefully and sear each side for about 3 minutes or until golden brown and the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.
- Combine fish and sauce: Pour the warm tomato basil sauce over the seared cod fillets in the pan. Allow the sauce to warm through with the fish for 1 minute to blend flavors.
- Serve: Serve the cod immediately, spooning extra tomato basil sauce over the top. This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Notes
- Ensure the cod fillets are patted dry before seasoning and searing to get a nice crust on the fish.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Use fresh cherry tomatoes during the peak season for the best flavor, or swap with canned fire-roasted tomatoes if fresh are unavailable.
- For a richer flavor, substitute vegetable broth with fish or chicken broth if not vegetarian.
- Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently before serving.
