Pan-Roasted Cod with Tomato-Olive Ragout and Basil
Delicate cod fillets pan-roasted until flaky, topped with a vibrant ragout of tomatoes, olives, and fresh basil for a bright Mediterranean meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (mediterranean) ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 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 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 (6 oz each) cod fillets
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/3 cup pitted and halved kalamata olives
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 cod fillets and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add cod fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving until the skin is crisp and golden. Flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove cod from skillet and keep warm.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 tbsp olive oil to the same skillet. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/3 cup pitted and halved kalamata olives, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1 tbsp lemon juice.
- Step 6: Spoon the tomato-olive ragout over the cod fillets and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Roasted Cod with Tomato-Olive Ragout and Basil 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-Roasted 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 (6 oz each) cod fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Roasted 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 Pan-Roasted 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 Pan-Roasted 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.
