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30 Minute Cod in Tomato Garlic Sauce Recipe

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4.1 from 37 reviews

This 30-minute cod in tomato garlic sauce offers a quick, flavorful Mediterranean-inspired seafood dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Lightly seared cod fillets are cooked in a vibrant sauce made from cherry tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, and a hint of smoked paprika, creating a rich and aromatic meal that’s both easy and impressive.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Fish and Seasoning

  • 1 pound cod fillets (can substitute with halibut or tilapia)
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or oil of choice)

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ¼ cup minced onion or shallot
  • 4-5 garlic cloves, minced or finely grated
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup vegetable stock or water
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 4 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the Cod: Combine the smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Pat the cod fillets dry and generously season both sides with the spice blend to ensure maximum flavor.
  2. Sear the Cod: Heat the avocado oil in a large heavy-duty skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned cod fillets and cook for 2 minutes on each side, or until they are lightly browned and have developed a nice sear. Remove the cod from the pan and set aside to rest.
  3. Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, add the butter and minced onion or shallot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are soft and lightly golden to build a flavorful foundation for the sauce.
  4. Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring not to burn. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until they soften and begin breaking down, stirring occasionally.
  5. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the vegetable stock and fresh lemon juice, then add fresh basil. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Taste the sauce and adjust with additional salt if needed to balance the flavors.
  6. Finish Cooking the Cod: Return the seared cod fillets to the pan, nestling them into the simmering tomato garlic sauce. Cook for another 3-5 minutes or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
  7. Serve: Garnish the dish with extra chopped fresh basil for a bright, herbaceous touch and serve immediately while hot for a delicious, wholesome seafood dinner.

Notes

  • You can substitute cod with halibut or tilapia based on availability or preference.
  • Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your desired spice level.
  • For a richer sauce, try using fish stock instead of vegetable stock.
  • If fresh basil is unavailable, substitute with fresh parsley or oregano for a different herbaceous note.
  • Serve with crusty bread, rice, or pasta to soak up the flavorful tomato garlic sauce.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Low Fat

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/30-minute-cod-in-tomato-garlic-sauce-recipe/