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Pan Seared Cod in Tomato Basil Sauce

Pan-sear seasoned cod until golden and flaky.
Simmer cherry tomatoes with garlic, broth, lemon, and fresh basil.
Spoon the warm tomato basil sauce over the cod and serve.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean-inspired

Ingredients
  

For the Tomato Basil Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 3 large garlic cloves finely minced
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/4 cup vegetable or fish broth
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Cod:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/2 pounds fresh cod cut into 4 fillets
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the crushed red pepper flakes and minced garlic. Cook for about 30 to 60 seconds, stirring frequently, until fragrant without allowing the garlic to brown.
  • Add the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes become tender and begin to blister while some still retain their shape.
  • Pour in the vegetable or fish broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the basil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, sugar, and black pepper. Simmer for about 2 minutes, then taste and adjust the seasoning. Transfer the sauce to a bowl.
  • Pat the cod fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
  • Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the cod.
  • Sear the fish without moving it for about 3 minutes, or until the underside develops a golden crust. Carefully turn each fillet and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, depending on thickness, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
  • Spoon the warm tomato basil sauce around and over the fish. Let everything heat together for about 1 minute. Serve the Pan-Seared Cod in Tomato Basil Sauce immediately with extra fresh basil or lemon if desired.

Notes

Vegetable broth works well for a lighter, more neutral sauce, while fish broth provides a deeper seafood flavor. For additional brightness, add a little extra fresh lemon juice immediately before serving.
Serve this healthy fish dinner with steamed rice, couscous, roasted potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the tomato basil sauce. For a lighter meal, pair it with roasted vegetables, green beans, asparagus, or a simple mixed salad.
Haddock or another firm white fish can be used when cod is unavailable, although cooking time may need to be adjusted according to the thickness of the fillets.