Pan-Roasted Cod with Citrus and Olive Relish

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

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Delicate cod fillets pan-roasted and topped with a bright relish of citrus, olives, and fresh herbs highlighting regional ingredients. This Mediterranean-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 20 minutes, pairs cod fillets, olive oil, salt 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: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 skinless cod fillets (5 oz each) and season both sides with 1 1/4 tsp salt and 3/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add cod fillets and sear for 4 minutes on the first side until edges are opaque and golden.
  3. Step 3: Carefully flip fillets and cook for 3 more minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily. Remove fillets to a warm plate.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp drained capers, 1/3 cup chopped green olives, 1/4 diced red onion, 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, zest and segments of 1 medium orange, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Step 5: Spoon the citrus and olive relish evenly over the cod fillets and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Roasted Cod with Citrus and Olive Relish take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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-Roasted Cod with Citrus and Olive Relish?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Roasted Cod with Citrus and Olive 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-Roasted Cod with Citrus and Olive 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-Roasted Cod with Citrus and Olive 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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