Here’s a Pan‑Seared Mediterranean Cod in Tomato Basil Sauce recipe that’s light, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering.
🐟 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- Cod fillets – 4 (about 6 oz each)
- Olive oil – 3 tbsp
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
- Cherry tomatoes – 2 cups, halved
- Crushed tomatoes – 1 cup
- Fresh basil – ½ cup, chopped
- Capers – 2 tbsp
- Kalamata olives – ½ cup, sliced
- White wine – ½ cup (optional, can sub vegetable broth)
- Salt & pepper – to taste
- Red pepper flakes – pinch (optional, for heat)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Season cod: Pat fillets dry, season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Pan‑sear fish: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium‑high. Add cod and sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Make sauce: In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and garlic. Sauté 1 minute. Add cherry tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, wine (or broth), olives, and capers. Simmer 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Finish with basil: Stir in fresh basil and red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Return cod: Nestle cod fillets into the sauce. Cover and simmer 3–4 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
- Serve: Spoon sauce over cod, garnish with extra basil.
🍴 Serving Ideas
- Over angel hair pasta or orzo.
- With crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Alongside a crisp green salad.
🌟 Tips
- Use firm white fish like halibut or haddock if cod isn’t available.
- For extra depth, add a splash of lemon juice before serving.
- Make ahead: Sauce can be prepared up to 2 days in advance; reheat and add freshly seared cod.
