Spiced Portuguese-Style Cod with Tomato and Olive Ragout

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

Tender cod fillets simmered in a savory sauce of tomatoes, olives, and smoky paprika inspired by Portuguese flavors. This portuguese-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) cod fillets, olive oil, medium yellow onion, finely chopped 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: 20 min Serves 4 Portuguese cuisine 280 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped medium yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and soft.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 1/3 cup sliced pitted green olives, 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld.
  4. Step 4: Season 4 cod fillets with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Nestle the fillets gently into the tomato ragout, spooning some sauce over the top.
  5. Step 5: Cover skillet and cook over low heat for 8-10 minutes until cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, drizzle with 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Portuguese-Style Cod with Tomato and Olive Ragout take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Spiced Portuguese-Style Cod with 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 (6 oz each) cod fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Portuguese-Style Cod with 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 Spiced Portuguese-Style Cod with 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 Spiced Portuguese-Style Cod with Tomato and Olive Ragout?

Portuguese 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