Pan-Seared Cod with Tomato and Basil Relish

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Delicate cod fillets pan-seared and topped with a fresh tomato and basil relish for a light, flavorful seafood dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (mediterranean) ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each) cod fillets, quartered cherry tomatoes, chopped fresh basil leaves 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups quartered cherry tomatoes, 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using). Mix gently and set aside to marinate for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 cod fillets and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cod fillets and sear for 4 minutes on the first side without moving them until the edges are golden and the fish releases easily from the pan.
  4. Step 4: Carefully flip the fillets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Remove the cod from the pan and spoon the tomato and basil relish evenly over the top before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Cod with Tomato and Basil Relish take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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-Seared Cod with Tomato and 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 (6 oz each) cod fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Cod with Tomato and 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-Seared Cod with Tomato and 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-Seared Cod with Tomato and 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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