Indulge in a delightful seafood dish with this Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter recipe. The tender cod fillets are enhanced by a rich, velvety tomato butter sauce infused with fresh herbs and a hint of lemon zest. It’s a perfect balance of flavors that will make any meal feel special.
Elevate your dining experience with this easy-to-make yet impressive dish. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
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2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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1 teaspoon lemon zest
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Season the cod fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
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Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cod fillets and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the fillets to the prepared baking sheet.
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In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the cherry tomatoes and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
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In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, chopped basil, chopped parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.
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Spoon the tomato mixture over the cod fillets on the baking sheet. Dollop the herb butter over the top of the tomato mixture.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
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Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter is the kind of recipe that combines simplicity with elegance. It’s not just another baked fish dish it’s a harmonious blend of fresh, vibrant ingredients and classic techniques that result in a flavorful, satisfying, and health-conscious meal. From the sweet acidity of cherry tomatoes to the richness of herb-infused butter melting over flaky cod fillets, this recipe is a go-to for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Whether you’re an experienced home cook or a beginner trying to expand your culinary horizons, this dish checks all the boxes for taste, nutrition, and visual appeal. Let’s dive deeper into what makes Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter so special.
Why Cod?
Cod is one of the most popular white fish varieties due to its mild flavor, flaky texture, and versatility. It’s low in fat, high in protein, and cooks quickly, making it an ideal base for a variety of sauces and seasonings. It’s also a great source of essential nutrients such as Vitamin B12, iodine, and selenium, which support thyroid health, metabolism, and brain function.
When cooked properly, cod develops a tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality that pairs beautifully with light sauces like the tomato and herb butter in this recipe. It’s a fish that doesn’t overpower the plate, allowing the other ingredients to shine just as brightly.
The Beauty of Tomato and Herb Butter
Tomato and herb butter is a sauce that sounds fancy but is incredibly easy to make and unbelievably flavorful. It combines softened butter with fresh herbs like basil and parsley, lemon zest, and a touch of garlic creating a fragrant compound butter that melts luxuriously over hot fish.
The cherry tomatoes bring a burst of juiciness and a natural sweetness that balances the richness of the butter. When sautéed, they release their juices, mingling with the garlic and olive oil to form a light sauce that pairs beautifully with the cod. The herb butter melts into this warm tomato base, forming a luscious coating for the fish.
This fusion of flavors and textures buttery, tangy, fresh, and aromatic is what elevates this dish from simple to sensational.
Health Benefits of This Dish
This recipe is a wonderful example of how healthy eating doesn’t have to mean bland or boring. It is naturally gluten-free, low in carbohydrates, and packed with protein and healthy fats. The olive oil and butter provide essential fats for energy and cell function, while the fresh herbs offer antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
The tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may support heart health and protect against certain cancers. Garlic is known for its immune-boosting and cardiovascular benefits. Lemon juice and zest add vitamin C and aid digestion. Altogether, this dish is nourishing and supportive of a well-rounded diet.
Ideal Occasions to Serve Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter
This dish is wonderfully adaptable. It can serve as a light weeknight dinner when you want something quick yet impressive. But it also fits beautifully into a more elegant dining setting think date nights, family gatherings, or even dinner parties.
Pair it with a glass of crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, and serve it alongside simple sides like roasted potatoes, steamed asparagus, or a fresh green salad. It’s a main course that doesn’t require heavy preparation yet still delivers restaurant-level flavor.
Tips for Perfect Results
To get the best results with this recipe, here are some helpful tips:
- Choose fresh cod: Look for fillets that are firm, moist, and have a mild smell. If using frozen cod, make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
- Don’t overcook the fish: Cod is delicate and cooks quickly. Overcooking can make it rubbery. As a general rule, bake it until it flakes easily with a fork usually about 10–12 minutes in a hot oven.
- Use room-temperature butter: This helps the herbs and lemon zest mix in evenly, creating a smooth, flavorful compound butter.
- Experiment with herbs: While basil and parsley are a classic combo, you can also try tarragon, dill, or chives for a different twist.
- Serve immediately: The herb butter is best enjoyed when freshly melted over the warm fish and tomatoes.
Variations to Try
One of the strengths of this recipe is its adaptability. Here are a few creative ways to customize it:
- Add white wine: Deglazing the tomato and garlic mixture with a splash of white wine enhances the sauce with depth and acidity.
- Use different fish: If cod isn’t available, this recipe works beautifully with haddock, halibut, or tilapia.
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the butter for a bit of heat.
- Incorporate capers or olives: For a Mediterranean flair, toss a few into the tomato mixture.
- Make it dairy-free: Use a plant-based butter substitute and check your fish source for sustainability if following a specific diet.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter is best eaten fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-12 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can overcook the fish and alter the texture of the butter sauce.
If you’re meal prepping, consider storing the cooked cod and tomato mixture separately from the butter. This way, you can add a fresh dollop of herb butter just before reheating for maximum flavor.
Sustainable Seafood Consideration
When buying cod, it’s important to consider the environmental impact of your choices. Overfishing has made some cod populations vulnerable. Look for cod that’s certified by sustainability organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or choose alternative white fish that are more abundant.
Many grocery stores now provide information about the source and sustainability of their seafood, so you can make informed choices that support ocean health.
Conclusion
Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter is a dish that embodies the best of home cooking it’s fresh, flavorful, quick to prepare, and visually stunning. The melt-in-your-mouth cod combined with the warm, juicy tomatoes and rich herb butter creates a symphony of taste and texture that’s hard to resist.
Perfect for both everyday dinners and special occasions, this recipe invites creativity and flexibility while sticking to its core values: fresh ingredients, clean flavors, and nourishing simplicity. Add it to your rotation and experience how just a few quality ingredients can transform your dinner table.
Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting guests, or just treating yourself to something wholesome and delicious, Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter is a dish worth mastering.