Baked Cod with Saffron-Infused Tomato Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender cod fillets baked in a vibrant saffron and tomato sauce, infused with garlic and fresh herbs for a Mediterranean delight. This Spanish-inspired seafood recipe (mediterranean), ready in about 40 minutes, pairs cod fillets, olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Spanish cuisine 220 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Soak 0.1 g of saffron threads in 2 tbsp warm water for 10 minutes to release color and aroma.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 400 g canned crushed tomatoes, 1/4 cup white wine, and the saffron water with threads. Stir well, add 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and simmer the sauce gently for 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Place 600 g cod fillets in a baking dish and pour the saffron tomato sauce evenly over the fish. Arrange 1 sliced lemon over the top.
  5. Step 5: Bake uncovered for 15-18 minutes until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven and sprinkle 3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Cod with Saffron-Infused Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Cod with Saffron-Infused Tomato Sauce?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cod with Saffron-Infused Tomato Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Cod with Saffron-Infused Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Cod with Saffron-Infused Tomato Sauce?

Spanish seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes