Description
Cod in a Lemon Butter Tomato Sauce is a quick and elegant seafood dish featuring tender cod fillets simmered in a bright, buttery tomato sauce infused with garlic, lemon, and herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners, it’s fresh, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes.
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)
Instructions
- Pat cod fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear cod fillets for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
- Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Sauté shallot and garlic until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook until softened and juicy, about 5 minutes.
- Add chicken broth or wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in lemon juice, zest, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Reduce heat and stir in remaining butter.
- Return cod to skillet. Spoon sauce over the fish and cook 3–4 more minutes, or until cod is opaque and flakes easily.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Notes
- Add spinach or capers for extra flavor.
- Stir in heavy cream or mascarpone at the end for a creamier version.
- Substitute other white fish like haddock, halibut, or tilapia if desired.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Use dairy-free butter for a dairy-free version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cod fillet with sauce
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
