Oven-Baked Lemon Garlic Cod with Cherry Tomatoes

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

Delicate cod fillets baked with a bright lemon garlic sauce and bursting cherry tomatoes, perfect for a light Mediterranean meal. This italian-inspired seafood (mediterranean) ready in about 28 minutes pairs (6 oz each) cod fillets, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced garlic cloves 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 18 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 cod fillets in a single layer in a baking dish. Scatter 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes evenly around the fish.
  3. Step 3: Pour the lemon garlic mixture evenly over the cod and tomatoes, ensuring the fish is well coated.
  4. Step 4: Bake uncovered for 15-18 minutes until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and the tomatoes are softened and slightly blistered.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven and sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves on top before serving warm with crusty bread or steamed vegetables.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Oven-Baked Lemon Garlic Cod with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 28 minutes (10 min prep + 18 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 Oven-Baked Lemon Garlic Cod with Cherry Tomatoes?

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 (6 oz each) cod fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Oven-Baked Lemon Garlic Cod with Cherry Tomatoes?

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 Oven-Baked Lemon Garlic Cod with Cherry Tomatoes 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 Oven-Baked Lemon Garlic Cod with Cherry Tomatoes?

Italian 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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