Pan-Fried Cod with Tomato Basil Relish
Delicate cod fillets pan-fried until golden and topped with a fresh, vibrant tomato basil relish bursting with Mediterranean flavors. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes pairs (5 oz each) cod fillets, salt, black pepper 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 (5 oz each) cod fillets
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup, quartered cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp, finely diced red onion
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove, minced garlic clove
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 cod fillets (5 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the cod fillets and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
- Step 3: While the fish cooks, combine 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, 2 tbsp finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1 minced garlic clove in a small bowl. Stir gently to combine.
- Step 4: Spoon the tomato basil relish over the cooked cod fillets and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Cod with Tomato Basil Relish take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 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 (5 oz each) cod fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Cod with Tomato 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 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 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.
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