Pan-Seared Cod with Spicy Tomato and Olive Ragout

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

Tender cod fillets are pan-seared and served atop a vibrant, spicy tomato and olive ragout that bursts with Mediterranean flavors. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (mediterranean) ready in about 25 minutes pairs about 6 oz each cod fillets, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic cloves 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: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 cod fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Place the cod fillets skin-side down in the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes without moving until the edges are crispy and the fillet releases easily from the pan. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until opaque and cooked through. Remove from pan and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and sauté 3 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup sliced kalamata olives, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes. Cook for 5 minutes over medium heat until tomatoes soften and the ragout thickens.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and 1 tbsp lemon juice, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon the tomato and olive ragout onto plates and top with the pan-seared cod fillets.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Cod with Spicy Tomato and Olive Ragout 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 Spicy Tomato and Olive Ragout?

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 about 6 oz each cod fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Cod with Spicy Tomato and Olive Ragout?

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 Spicy Tomato and Olive Ragout 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-Seared Cod with Spicy Tomato and Olive Ragout?

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.

Related recipes