Baked Cod with Tomato-Olive Ragout and Basil
Tender baked cod fillets topped with a vibrant ragout of cherry tomatoes, olives, and fresh basil, bursting with Mediterranean flavors. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (mediterranean) ready in about 35 minutes pairs (about 6 oz each) cod fillets, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (about 6 oz each) cod fillets
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 pint (about 300 g), halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, sliced pitted Kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat dry 4 cod fillets and season both sides with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 pint halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 4-5 minutes until they soften and start to release juices.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup sliced pitted Kalamata olives and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, then remove from heat.
- Step 5: Place seasoned cod fillets on top of the tomato-olive mixture, drizzle with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, and sprinkle 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using) over the fish.
- Step 6: Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 7: Serve the cod topped with the warm ragout and garnish with additional basil if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Cod with Tomato-Olive Ragout and Basil take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 Tomato-Olive Ragout and Basil?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (about 6 oz each) cod fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cod with Tomato-Olive Ragout and 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-Olive Ragout and 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-Olive Ragout and 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.
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