Pan-Seared Cod with Herb-Infused Tomato Relish

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

Delicate cod fillets seared to golden perfection and topped with a fresh tomato and herb relish bursting with flavor. This Mediterranean-inspired seafood recipe (gluten free), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs 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 rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 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 without moving, until golden and crisp on the edges.
  3. Step 3: Flip the cod fillets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove from skillet and set aside covered to keep warm.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 minced garlic clove, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 1/2 cups quartered cherry tomatoes, 2 tbsp finely diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and remaining 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften and juices release, stirring gently.
  6. Step 6: Spoon the warm tomato and herb relish over the cod fillets just before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Cod with Herb-Infused Tomato 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-Seared Cod with Herb-Infused Tomato 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-Seared Cod with Herb-Infused Tomato 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-Seared Cod with Herb-Infused Tomato 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.

Is Pan-Seared Cod with Herb-Infused Tomato Relish gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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