Baked Cod with Tomato-Caper Sauce and Fresh Basil
Tender cod fillets baked in a bright tomato sauce enriched with capers and fresh basil for a light yet flavorful seafood entrée. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (mediterranean) ready in about 30 minutes blends (6 oz each) cod fillets, (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes, capers, drained into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 260 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) cod fillets
- 1 can (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp capers, drained
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- for serving lemon wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a medium skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with their juices and 2 tbsp drained capers, cooking for 5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil.
- Step 3: Place 4 cod fillets in a baking dish and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Pour the tomato-caper sauce evenly over the fillets.
- Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Cod with Tomato-Caper Sauce and Fresh Basil take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Baked Cod with Tomato-Caper Sauce and Fresh Basil?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cod with Tomato-Caper Sauce and Fresh Basil?
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 Tomato-Caper Sauce and Fresh Basil 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 Tomato-Caper Sauce and Fresh Basil?
Mediterranean 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.
