Pan-Seared Mediterranean Cod with Tomato-Olive Ragout

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

Tender cod fillets pan-seared and topped with a vibrant tomato and olive ragout bursting with Mediterranean flavors. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (mediterranean) ready in about 25 minutes pairs 6 oz each cod fillets, 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, season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add the cod fillets to the skillet skin-side down and sear for 4 minutes until the edges turn opaque and skin is crisp. Flip carefully and cook for another 3 minutes until fish flakes easily.
  3. Step 3: Remove the cod to a warm plate and add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet. Sauté 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 finely chopped small red onion over medium heat for 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and 1/2 cup sliced kalamata olives, cooking for 4 minutes until tomatoes soften and juices release.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 1 minute until the ragout thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Spoon the tomato-olive ragout generously over the cod fillets and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Mediterranean Cod with Tomato-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 Mediterranean Cod with Tomato-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 6 oz each cod fillets from drying out.

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