Are you ready to transform your ordinary dinner into a restaurant-worthy culinary experience? This Baked Cod in Spicy Tomato Sauce is not just a recipe—it's a flavor explosion that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of the Mediterranean. With a perfect balance of tender, flaky cod and a bold, fiery tomato sauce, this dish promises to become your new go-to meal that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your cod fillets cook evenly and the flavors meld beautifully in the spicy tomato sauce.
- In a medium-sized skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
- Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine with the garlic. Then, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and dried oregano. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors develop.
- While the sauce is simmering, prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with a bit of olive oil or non-stick spray. Place the cod fillets in the dish, spacing them evenly apart.
- Once the sauce has simmered, pour it evenly over the cod fillets, ensuring that each fillet is well-coated with the spicy tomato sauce.
- Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature of the fish should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve the baked cod in spicy tomato sauce with your choice of sides, such as rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired meal!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Fish: Always select the freshest cod fillets possible. Look for firm, white flesh without any strong fishy smell.
- Don't Overcook: Cod is delicate and can dry out quickly. Watch your cooking time closely and aim for that perfect flaky texture.
- Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to match your heat preference. Start with less and add more if you like it spicier.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Using fresh basil as a garnish isn't just for looks—it adds a bright, aromatic finish to the dish.
- Sauce Prep is Key: Let your tomato sauce simmer to develop deep, rich flavors before adding to the fish.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with crusty bread or a light salad to complete your Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 70mg
