Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter Recipe
If you adore tender white fish paired with vibrant flavors, this Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter recipe is about to become your new obsession. With flaky cod fillets, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a fragrant blend of fresh herbs swirled into golden butter, every bite celebrates the ease and elegance of effortless home cooking. The whole dish comes together in less than half an hour, yet it tastes like something you’d find at your favorite coastal bistro — making it perfect for a weeknight dinner that still feels a little special. Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter has quickly become one of those meals you crave for its comforting simplicity and irresistible freshness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter is how a handful of thoughtful ingredients come together to create a dish that sings with each element. Every ingredient here is doing a bit of heavy lifting, from juicy tomatoes bringing color and sweetness, to herby butter elevating everything with a hint of luxury.
- Cod fillets: Mild and flaky, cod is the perfect canvas for all the buttery, herby goodness.
- Olive oil: Gives richness and ensures the fish and tomatoes cook gently without sticking.
- Cherry tomatoes: Burst with bright, tangy sweetness as they roast, balancing the rich butter.
- Garlic: A little goes a long way, bringing aromatic depth to the sauce.
- Unsalted butter: The base for your herb sauce — softened so it blends easily with the fresh herbs and zest.
- Fresh parsley: Adds grassy freshness and color to the butter.
- Fresh basil: Offers a sweet, peppery pop that pairs beautifully with tomatoes and fish.
- Lemon zest: Lifts and brightens the butter with a hit of citrusy aroma.
- Lemon juice: Gives the whole dish a fresh finish and balances the richness.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning everything from the butter to the fish itself.
- Black pepper: Just enough to add a subtle warmth and balance the flavors.
How to Make Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter
Step 1: Make the Herb Butter
Start by combining the softened unsalted butter with chopped fresh parsley, basil, a sprinkle of lemon zest, and a pinch each of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Mix with a fork until everything is totally blended, then set aside. This little jar of sunshine will melt into the fish as it roasts, infusing every bite with lively flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes
Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once warm, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until you catch that irresistible aroma. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, until they just start to soften and release their juices, turning the oil a stunning shade of red.
Step 3: Prepare and Season the Cod
Now, gently nudge the tomatoes to the sides of the skillet with your spoon — you’re making room for the stars of the dish. Nestle the cod fillets into the center and season each one generously with salt and pepper. The trick here is to be gentle with the fish so it stays in perfect fillet form.
Step 4: Add the Herb Butter
Spoon a generous dollop of your vibrant herb butter right on top of each cod fillet. This is where Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter gets that luscious, aromatic finish. As the butter melts, it transforms into a golden sauce, swirling through both the fish and slow-roasted tomatoes.
Step 5: Roast to Perfection
Transfer your skillet straight into a preheated 400°F oven and roast for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know your cod is ready when it turns opaque and flakes apart easily with a fork. The tomatoes should be gloriously soft, mingling beautifully with all the bubbling butter and herbs in the pan.
Step 6: Serve and Savor
Scoop generous helpings of the roasted tomatoes and that buttery pan sauce over the fillets, right from the skillet to your plate. Each bite of Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter bursts with brightness, richness, and a touch of tang — satisfaction guaranteed.
How to Serve Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped fresh parsley or basil right before serving makes the colors pop and brings a fresh, herby finish. If you love a little zip, an extra grating of lemon zest or a quick drizzle of lemon juice never goes amiss.
Side Dishes
This dish loves a side of fluffy steamed rice, crusty bread to mop up the sauce, or even buttery mashed potatoes. For something lighter, pair Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter with a crisp green salad or simple sautéed greens.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the cod family-style in the skillet for a rustic, shareable meal. Or, plate individual portions with the tomatoes spooned artfully on top, and a swoosh of extra herb butter on the side — it feels upscale with almost no added work.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), let the cod come to room temperature and transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Be sure to scoop up plenty of those buttery tomatoes for extra flavor when you reheat.
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked fish, Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter is at its best fresh; freezing can sometimes change the texture of both the fish and the tomato sauce. If you do freeze, wrap individual portions tightly and eat within one month for the best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the cod and its sauce in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or extra butter to help loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can dry out the fish and make it rubbery. The key is gentle heat so your cod stays flaky and moist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod fillets for Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter?
Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking so you don’t end up with extra water in your pan — this helps keep the sauce luscious and the fish perfectly cooked.
What can I substitute for fresh herbs if I only have dried herbs?
You can use dried parsley and basil in a pinch, but use less — about one-third the amount, since dried herbs are more concentrated. For best flavor, fresh herbs really do make this Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter shine.
How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?
The cod should be opaque all the way through and flake easily with a fork. If you have a thermometer, it should read 145°F in the thickest part. Watch closely near the end of baking — overcooked cod can go from perfect to dry quickly.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
It’s wonderful fresh, but Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter can work for meal prep if you’re okay with a slightly softer fish on reheating. Prep the herb butter and tomatoes ahead, then cook the cod fresh for the best results.
What other fish can I use for Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter?
This recipe adapts beautifully to other white fish like haddock or halibut — just adjust the cook time if the fillets are thicker or thinner. The herb butter and tomatoes will make any mild fish taste heavenly!
Final Thoughts
Once you try Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter, it’s almost impossible not to crave it again. With its juicy tomatoes, glorious herby butter, and perfectly flaky fish, it brings restaurant-worthy elegance to an everyday meal. Give it a go — your kitchen (and your dinner table) will thank you!
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Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This recipe for Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter is a delicious and easy way to prepare a flavorful seafood dish. The combination of flaky cod, juicy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic herb butter creates a dish that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare herb butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, parsley, basil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Sauté tomatoes: Heat olive oil in a skillet, add garlic and cherry tomatoes, sauté until soft.
- Cook cod: Place cod fillets in the skillet, season with salt and pepper, top with herb butter, and roast in the oven.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the cod with extra herb butter from the pan.
Notes
- This recipe can also be made with haddock or halibut.
- For added flavor, drizzle with extra lemon juice before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cod fillet with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
