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Baked Cod with Tomato Herb Butter

Baked Cod with Tomato Herb Butter

Baked Cod with Tomato Herb Butter is a light, flavorful, and elegant dish combining flaky cod fillets with a vibrant butter infused with fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, offering a simple preparation with fresh ingredients that result in a balanced and nutritious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish

  • 4 thick fresh cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)

Tomato Herb Butter

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup diced cherry tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Roasted Tomatoes

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Seasoning & Finishing

  • Olive oil, for brushing cod fillets
  • Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to season fish
  • Extra fresh herbs (basil, parsley) for garnish
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Herb Butter: In a bowl, soften the unsalted butter and mix in the minced garlic, chopped basil, parsley, and thyme, then add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Stir in diced cherry tomatoes until well combined to create the tomato herb butter.
  2. Preheat the Oven and Roast Tomatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, sea salt, and pepper, then spread them on a baking sheet. Roast for about 10 minutes until they start to blister and soften.
  3. Prepare the Cod Fillets: Pat the cod fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels. Lightly brush both sides with olive oil and season generously with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to ensure even cooking and flavor penetration.
  4. Assemble and Bake: Place the cod fillets in a buttered baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Spoon generous portions of the tomato herb butter over each fillet and add the roasted tomatoes on top. Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Finish and Serve: Once baked, garnish the fish with extra fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright finish. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Pat Dry Fish: Dry cod thoroughly before seasoning to avoid watery texture.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs provide a more vibrant flavor compared to dried ones.
  • Don’t Overcook: Check cod at 12 minutes to prevent it becoming tough and dry.
  • Room Temperature Butter: Use softened butter to mix smoothly with herbs and tomatoes.
  • Roast Tomatoes Well: Roasting enhances sweetness and flavor depth of tomatoes.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked cod, tomato herb butter, healthy fish recipe, Mediterranean fish dish, easy baked cod, gluten free seafood