Description
This Pan-Seared Mediterranean Cod in Tomato Basil Sauce offers a delightful combination of tender cod fillets seared to perfection and topped with a flavorful tomato basil sauce. Infused with garlic, fresh herbs, lemon, and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes, this dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a healthy, vibrant dinner.
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
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing cod, can use part of original oil)
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the crushed red pepper flakes and finely minced garlic; sauté them for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook Cherry Tomatoes: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 9 to 12 minutes. During this time, the tomatoes will soften and begin to release their juices, creating the base of the sauce.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in ½ cup of vegetable broth and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, melding the flavors together.
- Incorporate Herbs and Seasonings: Stir in the chopped fresh basil, the remaining tablespoon of lemon juice, fresh lemon zest, salt, granulated sugar, and freshly ground black pepper. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes to blend the flavors, then remove the sauce from heat.
- Prepare Cod Fillets: Pat the cod fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat Oil for Searing: In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat to prepare for searing the cod.
- Sear Cod Fillets: Place the cod fillets in the hot oil and cook for about 3 minutes on each side. Sear until the fillets are golden brown on the outside and flaky on the inside.
- Add Sauce to Cod: Pour the prepared tomato basil sauce over the seared cod fillets in the pan.
- Warm Through: Let the sauce warm through with the cod for 1 minute to combine flavors and ensure the fish remains moist and flavorful.
- Serve: Serve immediately while hot. This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Notes
- Ensure the cod is patted dry before searing to achieve a nice golden crust.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Vegetable broth adds depth to the sauce; you can substitute with fish broth for a stronger flavor.
- Fresh lemon zest brightens the sauce—do not skip this step!
- Serve immediately to enjoy the cod at its best texture and flavor.
