Name: Cod in a Lemon Butter Tomato Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Ingredients: 4 cod fillets (fresh or thawed if frozen); 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp butter (divided); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 shallot or 1/2 onion, finely chopped; 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes (halved) or 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1/3 cup chicken broth or white wine; 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

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Cod in a Lemon Butter Tomato Sauce is one of those elegant yet effortless dishes I love to make when I want something light, fresh, and full of flavor. The tender, flaky cod soaks up the rich tomato and butter sauce, while the lemon adds just the right amount of brightness. It’s a restaurant-worthy meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and special dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple but feels sophisticated. The lemon butter tomato sauce is full of vibrant flavor — tangy, buttery, and slightly sweet — and it complements the delicate cod beautifully. It’s also healthy, high in protein, and pairs well with almost anything: rice, pasta, or crusty bread. I especially love how quick it is to prepare — one pan, minimal cleanup, and tons of flavor. Cod in a Lemon Butter Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

cod fillets (fresh or thawed if frozen)
olive oil
butter
garlic, minced
shallot or onion, finely chopped
cherry tomatoes (halved) or canned diced tomatoes
chicken broth or white wine
lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
lemon zest
salt and black pepper
crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

I start by patting the cod fillets dry with paper towels and seasoning both sides with salt and pepper.
I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, I add the cod and sear for about 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden. I remove the fish and set it aside.
In the same skillet, I add a tablespoon of butter, then sauté the shallot (or onion) and garlic until fragrant.
I stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook until they begin to soften and release their juices.
I pour in the chicken broth or white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
I add the lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if I want a little heat.
I let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
I lower the heat, stir in the remaining butter, and return the cod fillets to the skillet.
I spoon the sauce over the fish and let it cook for another 3–4 minutes, just until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
I finish it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It usually takes me 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so dinner is ready in around 30 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I like to add a handful of spinach or capers to the sauce for extra flavor. If I want it creamier, I stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of mascarpone at the end. When I’m out of cod, I use other white fish like haddock, halibut, or tilapia — they all work beautifully. For a spicier version, I add more crushed red pepper or a dash of smoked paprika.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, I do it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the sauce from drying out. I avoid microwaving the fish since it can overcook quickly. The sauce reheats beautifully and still tastes fresh the next day. Cod in a Lemon Butter Tomato Sauce

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod?

Yes, I just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking so it sears nicely and doesn’t release excess water.

What can I serve with this dish?

I love serving it with rice, couscous, or angel hair pasta to soak up the sauce. Crusty bread works perfectly too.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, I simply replace the butter with extra olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. It still tastes delicious.

How do I know when the cod is done?

The cod is cooked through when it’s opaque and flakes easily with a fork — usually after about 8–10 minutes total.

Can I use other fish besides cod?

Absolutely. Haddock, halibut, tilapia, or even salmon work well with this lemon butter tomato sauce.

Conclusion

Cod in a Lemon Butter Tomato Sauce is one of my go-to dishes when I want something fresh, flavorful, and effortlessly elegant. The flaky fish paired with the tangy, buttery tomato sauce is pure perfection — simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. I love how quickly it cooks, how light it feels, and how it always leaves me wanting just one more bite. It’s an easy, impressive recipe that never disappoints.