Easy Cod in a Tomato Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe / Zesty Joy

Cod swimming in a vibrant tomato lemon butter sauce promises a culinary adventure that converts ordinary seafood into an extraordinary meal.

Mediterranean flavors dance across delicate fish, creating a harmonious blend of tangy and rich notes.

Fresh ingredients elevate this simple protein into a restaurant-worthy dish that feels simultaneously elegant and approachable.

Bright citrus notes cut through the richness of butter, while ripe tomatoes add depth and complexity to every delectable bite.

Home cooks can master this impressive recipe with just a few strategic techniques and minimal kitchen skills.

Weeknight dinners will never look the same once you experience this quick and mouthwatering convertation of a classic seafood preparation.

Your dinner guests will be convinced you’ve spent hours crafting this seemingly sophisticated plate.

Why Cod in Tomato Lemon Butter Sauce Is Light and Zesty

• Bursting with Flavor: This cod recipe delivers a tantalizing blend of zesty lemon, rich butter, and juicy blistered tomatoes that create an explosion of taste in every bite.
• Quick and Effortless Cooking: The entire dish comes together in less than 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous meal preparations.
• One-Pan Wonder: Using a single skillet means minimal cleanup and maximum convenience, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without multiple dishes to wash.
• Healthy Protein Delight: Cod provides a lean, nutritious protein source that's paired with fresh herbs and vibrant vegetables, creating a balanced and wholesome meal that feels both light and satisfying.

Ingredients for Cod in Tomato Lemon Butter Sauce

• Cod: Fresh, mild-flavored white fish that absorbs the sauce beautifully and provides lean protein.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Creates rich flavor base and helps prevent sticking while adding depth to the dish.

• Garlic, Green Onions: Provides depth of flavor with sharp, slightly pungent taste and aromatic background notes.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the sauce.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Brings sweet, bright acidity and fresh color to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Provides liquid base for sauce with subtle savory undertones.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, tangy freshness that complements the fish.

• Parsley, Basil: Fresh herbs that add vibrant color, fragrant aroma, and light herbaceous flavor.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing overall flavor profile of the dish.

How to Cook Cod with Tomato Lemon Butter Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels

Sprinkle salt and black pepper on both sides

Let fish sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to ensure even cooking

Step 2: Sear the Cod

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat

Carefully place cod fillets in the pan

Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and flaky

Transfer fish to a warm plate and set aside

Step 3: Roast Tomato Burst

In the same skillet, add cherry tomatoes

Cook without moving for 2-3 minutes

Allow tomatoes to develop charred spots and slightly soften

Gently shake pan to ensure even roasting

Step 4: Create Aromatic Base

Ingredients:

Minced garlic

Sliced green onion whites

Red pepper flakes

Fresh herbs

Place ingredients in skillet

Sauté for 45-60 seconds until fragrant

Stir continuously to prevent burning

Step 5: Build Luxurious Sauce

Pour chicken broth into skillet

Simmer for 2-3 minutes

Add fresh lemon juice

Whisk in cold butter

Season with salt and pepper

Step 6: Final Assembly

Return cod to skillet

Spoon sauce over fish

• Green onion tops
• Chopped parsley
• Fresh basil leaves

Serve immediately with crusty bread or rice

Tips for Flaky Cod in a Tangy Butter Sauce

• Select Fresh Cod: Choose firm, bright white cod fillets without discoloration or strong fishy smell for the best flavor and texture.
• Control Cooking Heat: Use medium-high heat to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust without overcooking the delicate fish.
• Blister Tomatoes Properly: Watch tomatoes closely during blistering to ensure they soften and caramelize without burning or becoming mushy.
• Balance Sauce Flavors: Taste and adjust lemon juice, butter, and seasoning for a harmonious blend of tangy, rich, and savory notes.
• Avoid Overcooking Fish: Remove cod from heat when it's just opaque and flakes easily to maintain its tender, moist consistency.

Storing and Reheating Cod in Tomato Lemon Butter Sauce

• Refrigeration: Store leftover cod in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Gentle Reheating: Warm the fish slowly in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying, cooking for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
• Freezing Option: Wrap the cod tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container, where it can be stored for up to 1 month, but note that the texture might change slightly upon thawing.

What to Serve with Cod in Tomato Lemon Butter Sauce

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio perfectly complements the bright, citrusy flavors of the cod and cuts through the richness of the butter sauce.
• Serve alongside Herbed Couscous: Light, fluffy couscous seasoned with fresh herbs like parsley and basil creates a delightful base that soaks up the zesty tomato lemon butter sauce.
• Complement with Roasted Asparagus: Tender roasted asparagus spears with a touch of garlic and lemon zest provide a fresh, green side that enhances the delicate fish and adds nutritional balance to the dish.
• Add Crusty Sourdough Bread: Warm, crusty sourdough bread becomes the ideal vehicle for mopping up the flavorful sauce, ensuring no delicious liquid goes to waste while adding a satisfying textural contrast.

Bright Variations of Cod in Lemon Butter Sauce

• Mediterranean Cod Variation: Replace cherry tomatoes with roasted red peppers and add capers for a tangy Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Asian Fusion Cod: Swap chicken broth with coconut milk, add ginger and soy sauce, and garnish with cilantro for an Asian-inspired version.
• Herb-Crusted Cod Remix: Coat the cod in a mixture of breadcrumbs and fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary before pan-searing for a crispy exterior.
• Creamy Provençal Cod: Incorporate white wine instead of chicken broth and stir in a touch of heavy cream for a rich, French-style sauce.

Cod in a Tomato Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Mediterranean cod bathes in a zesty lemon butter sauce, bringing coastal Italian flavors to your dinner table. Quick and elegant, this dish offers restaurant-quality comfort with simple ingredients that elevate weeknight cooking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound cod

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 pound cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 3 green onions, sliced and divided (whites and greens)
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes

Liquids and Seasonings:

• ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon basil, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzling olive oil and melting butter to create a flavorful cooking base.
2. Carefully season the cod fillets with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage for maximum taste profile.
3. Gently place cod into the heated skillet, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust, approximately 2-3 minutes per surface.
4. Transfer the perfectly cooked cod to a separate plate, preserving its delicate texture.
5. Introduce cherry tomatoes into the same skillet, letting them sizzle and blister, creating caramelized edges and intense flavor.
6. Reduce cooking temperature to medium and add minced garlic, sliced green onion whites, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for aromatic complexity.
7. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, creating a simmering liquid that will form the sauce’s foundation.
8. Allow the broth to reduce and concentrate, developing deeper flavor notes for approximately 3 minutes.
9. Brighten the sauce with freshly squeezed lemon juice and a final pat of butter, whisking to create a silky, balanced emulsion.
10. Return cod fillets to the skillet, nestling them gently into the vibrant sauce.
11. Garnish with green onion tops, chopped parsley, and delicate basil leaves for a fresh, herbaceous finish.
12. Serve immediately, allowing the harmonious blend of flavors to shine.

Notes

• Master this quick seafood dish perfect for busy weeknights with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.
• Technique matters most when cooking delicate cod, ensuring golden edges and tender center without overcooking.
• Fresh herbs and bright lemon transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal in under 20 minutes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 70mg