Mediterranean Cod in a Lemon Butter Tomato Sauce
This light yet flavorful dish brings together tender, flaky cod with a creamy lemon butter sauce and juicy cherry tomatoes. The brightness of lemon balances the richness of cream and butter, while garlic and fresh parsley add a Mediterranean touch. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough for entertaining.
Time: 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cooking)
Serves: 4
Ingredients
4 cod fillets
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup heavy cream
Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon lemon zest
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Season & Sear the Cod
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add cod fillets and sear 2–3 minutes per side, until golden. Remove and set aside (they’ll finish cooking in the sauce).
Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream, lemon juice, zest, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
Simmer & Finish
Reduce heat to low and return cod fillets to the pan.
Spoon the sauce over the fish and let simmer gently for 5–6 minutes, until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Serve hot with rice, couscous, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Serving Idea: This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad, roasted vegetables, or buttery orzo for a full Mediterranean-style meal.
Tips
Pat the fish dry: This helps you get a nice golden sear without steaming the cod.
Don’t overcook: Cod cooks quickly; once it flakes easily, it’s ready. Overcooking can make it rubbery.
Deglaze for flavor: After searing the fish, scrape up any browned bits from the pan before adding the sauce for extra depth.
Balance the lemon: Taste the sauce before adding extra lemon juice—too much can overpower the delicate fish.
Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley adds brightness, but basil or dill also work well.
Variations
Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
Tomato Swap: Use sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor.
Wine Twist: Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding cream for a restaurant-style finish.
Dairy-Free: Replace cream with coconut milk for a lighter, dairy-free version with a slightly sweet twist.
Different Fish: This sauce works beautifully with halibut, tilapia, or salmon if cod isn’t available.
Extra Veggies: Add spinach, zucchini, or artichokes to the sauce for more Mediterranean flair.
Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen cod?
A: Yes, just make sure to thaw it fully and pat it dry before cooking. This prevents excess water from thinning the sauce.
Q: Can I substitute the cream?
A: You can use half-and-half, Greek yogurt (stirred in off the heat), or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option.
Q: How do I know when the cod is done?
A: Cod should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F).
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and gently reheat it before adding the cod. Cook the fish right before serving for best texture.
Q: What can I serve it with?
A: Rice, orzo, couscous, roasted potatoes, or a simple green salad all pair beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
(per serving, based on 4 servings)
Calories: ~330
Protein: 32g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 2g
Sodium: ~340mg
(Values are approximate and may vary with ingredient brands and portion sizes.)
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Cod in a Lemon Butter Tomato Sauce is light, flavorful, and quick to prepare. The delicate cod fillets soak up the creamy lemon-garlic sauce while cherry tomatoes add a burst of freshness. It’s a well-balanced dish that feels both comforting and refreshing, perfect for weeknights or dinner guests. With simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, this recipe is a great way to enjoy Mediterranean flavors in under 30 minutes.