Imagine a dish that transports you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of Italy with just one bite - our Pan Roasted Cod with Cherry Tomato Basil is that magical culinary escape! This restaurant-quality recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will make your taste buds dance and impress even the most discerning dinner guests. Prepare to elevate your home cooking game with this foolproof, flavor-packed recipe that's simultaneously elegant and incredibly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cod fillets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cod fillets, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 cloves of minced garlic, salt and pepper to taste, and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the cod and tomatoes.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about 1 minute.
- Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, stirring them gently to coat with the garlic and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the tomatoes for about 3-4 minutes, until they start to soften.
- While the tomatoes are cooking, season the cod fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Once the cherry tomatoes are softened, push them to the sides of the skillet to create space in the center. Carefully place the cod fillets in the center of the skillet, skin-side down if applicable.
- Cook the cod fillets for about 3-4 minutes on the stovetop, without moving them, allowing the bottom to sear and develop a golden crust.
- After searing, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast the cod and tomatoes for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the cod and tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
- Let the dish rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Serve the pan-roasted cod with the cherry tomatoes on a plate, drizzling any remaining juices from the skillet over the top. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired meal!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Cod: Always select the freshest cod fillets possible for the best flavor and texture. Look for firm, white flesh without any strong fishy smell.
- Pat Dry for Perfect Searing: Before cooking, thoroughly pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. This ensures a beautiful golden crust when searing.
- Don't Overcrowd the Skillet: Ensure your cod fillets have enough space in the pan to prevent steaming instead of searing.
- Temperature is Key: Use a medium-high heat for initial searing and maintain a consistent 400°F (200°C) in the oven for even cooking.
- Watch Cooking Time Carefully: Cod cooks quickly and can dry out. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque throughout.
- Fresh Basil Makes a Difference: Add chopped basil at the very end to preserve its bright, aromatic flavor and vibrant green color.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, straight from the oven, to maintain the perfect texture of the fish and the warmth of the tomatoes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 36g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 80mg
