Pan-Fried Cod with Tomato and Basil Relish
Delicate cod fillets pan-fried to a tender finish, topped with a fresh, vibrant tomato and basil relish that bursts with garden flavors. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs olive oil, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced fresh basil leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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), skin removed cod fillets
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp, finely grated lemon zest
- 1 tbsp, freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 4 cod fillets evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Carefully place cod fillets in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving until the edges turn opaque and golden.
- Step 4: Flip the fillets and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F internal temperature. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
- Step 5: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté 2 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 6: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and release juices.
- Step 7: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice.
- Step 8: Spoon the tomato and basil relish generously over the cod fillets before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Cod with Tomato and Basil Relish take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Pan-Fried Cod with Tomato and Basil Relish?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Cod with Tomato and Basil Relish?
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 Pan-Fried Cod with Tomato and Basil Relish 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 Pan-Fried Cod with Tomato and Basil Relish?
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.
