Name: Fresh Cod with Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 fresh cod fillets (about 6 oz each); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped); 3 garlic cloves (minced); 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices); 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped); 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; Lemon wedges for serving

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Picture yourself sitting at a sun-drenched Mediterranean table, spoon in hand, ready to tuck into a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that feels as fresh as a seaside breeze. That’s exactly what you get with this Fresh Cod with Tomato Basil Sauce. Delicate, flaky cod is gently poached in a tomato and basil sauce that’s bursting with color and summer-like aroma, making it an utterly comforting dish that still feels light and healthy. Whether you’re looking for a fuss-free weeknight dinner or an impressive main course to wow guests, this recipe showcases just how magical a handful of humble ingredients can be when prepared with love.

Fresh Cod with Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The brilliance of Fresh Cod with Tomato Basil Sauce lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient brings something special to the dish, from the mild, buttery cod to the sun-ripened taste of tomatoes and the brightness of fresh basil. Here’s how each one works its magic:

Fresh cod fillets: Their delicate texture and mild flavor make the perfect blank canvas for the zesty sauce.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps gently sauté the aromatics, layering in flavor right from the start.
Yellow onion: Lends sweetness and depth to the sauce, softening into the background as it cooks.
Garlic: Delivers a punch of savory aroma and classic Mediterranean flair—just a few cloves go a long way.
Diced tomatoes (with juices): Bring a fresh, tangy backbone to the sauce; use a quality canned variety for best results.
Fresh basil leaves: Chopped basil infuses the sauce with herbal brightness and a summery note you won’t want to skip.
Red pepper flakes (optional): If you like a subtle kick, red pepper flakes add gentle heat that beautifully contrasts the sweet tomatoes.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning both the cod and the sauce to absolute perfection.
Lemon wedges: The finishing touch—squeezing fresh lemon over the top just before serving lifts and freshens all the flavors.

How to Make Fresh Cod with Tomato Basil Sauce

Step 1: Prep and Season the Cod

Begin by patting the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels—this step ensures you get a flaky, perfectly textured fish. Generously season both sides with salt and fresh black pepper. These simple steps prep your main protein for maximum flavor absorption when it meets the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Toss in the chopped onion, sautéing for 4 to 5 minutes until it’s translucent and sweet-smelling. Add in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute more, just until it becomes fragrant and golden but not browned, to avoid bitterness.

Step 3: Build the Tomato Basil Sauce

Pour the diced tomatoes (juices and all) into the skillet with your softened aromatics. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, adding in the freshly chopped basil and red pepper flakes if you want a hint of heat. Let this beautiful sauce bubble away for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld together, infusing the whole kitchen with an inviting, Mediterranean aroma.

Step 4: Poach the Cod in Sauce

Gently nestle the seasoned cod fillets into the bubbling sauce, spooning a bit of sauce over the top of each one. Cover the pan and let the fish poach gently for 7 to 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the flesh turns opaque and easily flakes with a fork—don’t overcook it; cod is happiest when just barely done!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Take a moment to spoon plenty of extra tomato basil sauce over each fillet, then finish with a wedge of lemon on the side. Serve the Fresh Cod with Tomato Basil Sauce piping hot and watch it disappear—the bright sauce with succulent fish is truly irresistible.

How to Serve Fresh Cod with Tomato Basil Sauce

Garnishes

For a splash of color and a flavor pop, scatter a few extra torn basil leaves over each plate just before serving. A squeeze of fresh lemon really brightens things up, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can add a little chef’s touch. If you’ve got them on hand, some toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of good olive oil make delightful final flourishes.

Side Dishes

Fresh Cod with Tomato Basil Sauce shines alongside a bed of perfectly steamed rice or a hunk of crusty, rustic bread for soaking up every drop of sauce. For a lighter option, serve with sautéed spinach, garlicky green beans, or a simple salad tossed with lemony vinaigrette—these sides echo the Mediterranean spirit of the dish and round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner-party-worthy presentation, you can plate each fillet atop a swirl of creamy polenta or alongside roasted baby potatoes. If you’re feeling playful, serve the cod and sauce over warm orzo pasta. Even something as simple as serving individual portions in shallow bowls with lots of sauce and a lemon wedge on the rim will wow your guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Fresh Cod with Tomato Basil Sauce will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to let everything cool to room temperature before sealing to maintain the best taste and texture. This makes for a fantastic make-ahead lunch or easy dinner the next day.

Freezing

While the tomato basil sauce itself freezes wonderfully for up to 2 months, cod can sometimes lose its tender texture when frozen after cooking. If you’d like to freeze, do so with just the sauce and add fresh cod to reheat and simmer when you’re ready to enjoy the dish again.

Reheating

When reheating, use a skillet over gentle heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge. Warm slowly until the cod is just heated through—avoid using the microwave, as it can toughen the fish. If you made extra sauce separately, you can reheat that directly from frozen on the stovetop.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen cod works beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the fish dry before cooking, as this helps it soak up the flavors of the tomato basil sauce and prevents excess water from watering down your dish.

What if I don’t have fresh basil?

No worries—if you’re out of fresh basil, substitute with 1 tablespoon dried basil. Add it to the sauce along with the tomatoes. The flavor won’t be quite as summery, but it will still have a wonderful herbal note and blend with the tomatoes nicely.

Can I add other vegetables to the sauce?

Definitely! You can stir in chopped zucchini, bell pepper, or even baby spinach to pack in extra veggies. Just add them to the pan after the onions and let them soften with the sauce before adding the fish.

How do I know when the cod is cooked perfectly?

Your cod is ready when it’s opaque all the way through and flakes easily with a fork. Depending on the thickness of your fillets, this usually takes 7 to 10 minutes of gentle poaching—keep a close eye, as overcooking can make the cod tough.

Is this dish suitable for special diets?

Yes, Fresh Cod with Tomato Basil Sauce is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it perfect for many special diets. Just be sure your canned tomatoes and any sides you serve are also gluten-free if needed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that’s bright, simple, and soul-satisfying, you can’t go wrong with Fresh Cod with Tomato Basil Sauce. It brings the Mediterranean sun right to your kitchen no matter the season. Give it a try and let each delicious forkful transport you to a place of pure, uncomplicated flavor—your taste buds will thank you!

Fresh Cod with Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Fresh Cod with Tomato Basil Sauce recipe is a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish that features tender cod fillets simmered in a flavorful tomato basil sauce. The combination of fresh ingredients creates a light and healthy seafood dinner that is perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Cod with Tomato Basil Sauce:

4 fresh cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small yellow onion (finely chopped)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add Tomatoes and Basil: Pour in the diced tomatoes with juices. Add basil and red pepper flakes. Simmer to meld flavors.
Cook the Cod: Place cod fillets in the sauce, spooning sauce over the top. Cover and simmer until fish is opaque.
Serve: Serve hot with extra sauce and lemon wedges.