# Mediterranean Cod with Tomato Basil Sauce 🐟🍅🌿
Mediterranean cod with tomato basil sauce is a simple, fresh, and flavourful seafood dinner that comes together in about 25 minutes. Tender cod fillets are lightly seasoned and pan-seared until golden, then finished with juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant garlic, fresh basil, and a bright splash of lemon juice.
The tomato basil sauce adds plenty of flavour without overpowering the delicate cod. It’s an easy weeknight meal that feels light yet satisfying and pairs beautifully with vegetables, rice, potatoes, or crusty bread.
**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 15 minutes
**Total Time:** 25 minutes
**Servings:** 2
## Ingredients
### For the Cod
* 2 cod fillets
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt and black pepper, to taste
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
### For the Tomato Basil Sauce
* 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
* 2 garlic cloves, minced
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
* 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
## Instructions
### 1. Season the Cod
Pat the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Drying the fish first helps it develop a better golden surface when cooked.
### 2. Sear the Cod
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, carefully place the cod fillets into the skillet. Cook for about **3–4 minutes per side**, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
The fish should develop a light golden crust and begin to flake easily.
Transfer the cooked cod to a plate and set aside.
### 3. Cook the Tomatoes
Using the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for **3–4 minutes**, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and release their juices.
The tomatoes should become slightly blistered and juicy while still retaining some texture.
### 4. Add the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the skillet.
Cook for approximately **30 seconds**, stirring constantly, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
### 5. Add Basil and Lemon
Stir in the chopped fresh basil and lemon juice.
Allow the mixture to cook for another minute so the basil becomes fragrant and the tomato juices combine with the lemon and garlic.
Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and black pepper if needed.
### 6. Return the Cod to the Skillet
Carefully return the cod fillets to the skillet.
Spoon the warm tomato basil sauce over the fish and allow everything to simmer gently for **1–2 minutes**.
The cod should be opaque in the centre and flake easily with a fork. For food safety, fish should reach an internal temperature of **145°F (63°C)**.
### 7. Serve
Transfer the cod to serving plates and spoon plenty of the tomato basil sauce over each fillet.
Garnish with additional fresh basil and a small squeeze of lemon.
Serve immediately while hot.
## What to Serve with Mediterranean Cod
This cod works well with a variety of simple sides:
* Roasted potatoes
* Steamed green beans
* Rice or quinoa
* Couscous
* Roasted zucchini
* Sautéed spinach
* Greek salad
* Crusty whole-grain bread
For a lighter meal, serve the cod with a large green salad and steamed vegetables.
## Recipe Notes
**Choose thick cod fillets:** Thicker fillets are easier to sear without becoming dry. If your fillets are particularly thin, reduce the cooking time.
**Pat the fish dry:** Removing surface moisture helps the cod brown instead of simply steaming in the skillet.
**Don’t overcrowd the pan:** If your skillet is small, cook the fillets in batches so they have enough room to sear properly.
**Fresh basil is best:** fresh basil gives the sauce a much brighter flavour than dried basil. Add it toward the end of cooking to preserve its fresh aroma.
**Watch the garlic:** Garlic only needs about 30 seconds in the hot skillet. Cooking it too long can make it bitter.
**Adjust the sauce:** If the tomatoes are not very juicy, add 1–2 tablespoons of water or low-sodium broth to loosen the sauce.
## Variations
### Add Olives
For an even more Mediterranean flavour, add a small handful of sliced Kalamata olives to the tomato sauce.
### Add Spinach
Stir a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach into the sauce after adding the garlic. Cook until wilted before returning the cod to the skillet.
### Add Red Pepper Flakes
For a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic.
### Use Cherry Tomato Varieties
A mixture of red and yellow cherry tomatoes makes the dish especially colourful and adds slightly different levels of sweetness.
## Storage
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to **2 days**.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low to medium heat until warmed through. Avoid prolonged high heat because cod can become dry when reheated.
## Frequently Asked Questions
**Can I use frozen cod?**
Yes. Thaw the cod completely in the refrigerator before cooking and pat it very dry before seasoning.
**Can I use another type of fish?**
Yes. Haddock, pollock, halibut, or another firm white fish can work well. Cooking time may vary depending on thickness.
**Can I use canned tomatoes?**
Yes, although cherry tomatoes provide the freshest flavour and texture. If using canned diced tomatoes, drain some of the excess liquid before adding them.
**How do I know when cod is done?**
The fish should be opaque and flake easily when gently pressed with a fork. For the most reliable check, use an instant-read thermometer and cook to **145°F (63°C)**.
**Can I make the sauce ahead of time?**
Yes. The tomato basil sauce can be prepared several hours ahead and refrigerated. Warm it gently before adding the freshly cooked cod.
## Nutrition Information
Approximate nutrition per serving, based on the ingredients listed:
* **Calories:** 350–400 kcal
* **Protein:** 38–42 g
* **Carbohydrates:** 8–12 g
* **Fat:** 18–21 g
* **Fibre:** 2–3 g
* **Sodium:** 450–650 mg
Actual nutrition will vary depending on the size of the cod fillets, amount of salt used, and specific ingredients.
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* Ready in about 25 minutes
* Uses simple everyday ingredients
* Fresh tomato, basil, garlic, and lemon create bright flavour.
* Tender, flaky cod makes a satisfying main dish.
* Easy to customise with vegetables, olives, or red pepper flakes
* Perfect for a quick weeknight Mediterranean-inspired dinner
## Final Tip
For the best result, don’t overcook the cod. The moment it becomes opaque and flakes easily, remove it from the heat. The gentle finishing simmer with the tomato basil sauce allows the flavours to come together while keeping the fish tender and juicy.
