Description
Golden pan-seared cod fillets nestled in a garlicky tomato basil sauce—flaky, buttery fish ready in under 30 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
3 tbsp olive oil, divided
Salt and black pepper, to taste
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped, plus extra for garnish
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 lemon, juiced
Instructions
1. Pat cod fillets completely dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear cod presentation-side down for 4 minutes without moving it.
3. Flip and cook 3 to 4 more minutes until the fish flakes easily. Remove and set aside on a plate.
4. In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and minced garlic. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Simmer 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
6. Stir in butter, lemon juice, and fresh basil.
7. Nestle the cod back into the sauce, spoon sauce over the top, and warm through 2 more minutes before serving.
Notes
Cook fish in batches if your pan is small—overcrowding causes steaming instead of searing.
Swap cod for halibut or haddock if that’s what’s fresh at the store.
Leftovers keep in the fridge up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid drying out the fish.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean