Baked Cod with Tomato and Basil

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 25 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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If you're looking for a meal that's both simple and elegant, this Baked Cod with Tomato and Basil is just for you. The combination of fresh ingredients and tender cod creates a dish that's perfect for any occasion, whether it's a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering.

Ingredients for Baked Cod with Tomato and Basil

Cod fillets: The star of the show, cod is mild and flakey, making it a great canvas for the other flavors. Olive oil: Adds richness and helps keep the fish moist. Cherry tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they burst with flavor, complementing the cod perfectly. Fresh basil: Gives the dish a fragrant freshness that's hard to beat. Garlic: Adds depth and a hint of spice. Just the right touch to elevate the dish. Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors. Lemon: Brightens the dish with a hint of citrusy tang. White wine: Adds a bit of elegance and complexity, helping to keep the fish tender. Parmesan cheese: Provides a subtle savory note, melting beautifully on top.

Tips & Tricks

  • Ensure your cod fillets are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
  • For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the cod in olive oil and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Use a baking dish that fits the fillets snugly to keep the juices concentrated.
  • If you don't have white wine, chicken broth is a great substitute.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a light arugula salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside roasted potatoes or a simple quinoa pilaf. A crisp, chilled white wine complements the flavors perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cod?
Yes, just make sure it's fully thawed and patted dry before using.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are great substitutes.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can prep the tomato mixture a few hours ahead, but assemble and bake right before serving for best results.

Baked Cod with Tomato and Basil Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). You'll want it nice and hot so that the fish cooks evenly and quickly. Take your cod fillets and place them in a single layer in a baking dish. This ensures they cook evenly without crowding.

In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir so everything is well-coated in the oil and seasonings. Once mixed, spoon this vibrant tomato mixture evenly over the cod fillets in the dish.

Next, arrange the thin lemon slices over and around the cod. Not only does this look pretty, but it also infuses the dish with a lovely citrus aroma as it bakes. Carefully pour the white wine into the dish around the edges. This will steam up and keep everything moist as it cooks.

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the cod and tomato mixture. It will melt down into a deliciously savory topping. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You'll know it's done when the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Once baked, serve the cod hot, and if you're feeling extra fancy, garnish with a few more fresh basil leaves.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, even on busy nights.
  • Uses fresh, wholesome ingredients for a healthy meal.
  • Packed with flavor from tomatoes, basil, and garlic.
  • Elegant enough for dinner parties but simple enough for a weeknight.
  • The clean-up is a breeze with just one baking dish!

Ingredients

4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 lemon, thinly sliced
1/4 cup white wine
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the cod fillets in a single layer in a baking dish.
3. In a bowl, combine olive oil, cherry tomatoes, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Spoon the tomato mixture over the cod fillets evenly.
5. Arrange the lemon slices over and around the fillets.
6. Pour the white wine into the dish around the edges.
7. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
9. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired.

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