Name: Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each); 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened); 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped); 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped); 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (chopped); 1 clove garlic (minced); 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Lemon wedges for serving

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If you’re looking for a show-stopping seafood dinner that’s stunningly simple to pull off, Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter absolutely delivers. Tender fillets of cod nestle among juicy cherry tomatoes, all bathed in a melted butter kissed with fresh garlic, aromatic parsley, green basil, and earthy thyme. In less than half an hour, you’ll have an elegant meal bursting with Mediterranean flavors—perfect for cozy weeknights or impressive enough for entertaining. There’s something irresistible about how the tangy tomatoes and fragrant herbs mingle with the flaky fish, making every bite of Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter memorable.

Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter comes together with just a handful of ingredients, but choosing high-quality, fresh components is key to unlocking this dish’s full flavor potential. Each element brings color, fragrance, or a pop of brightness, ensuring every bite is deliciously well-rounded.

Cod fillets: Choose thick, firm fillets for the best flaky texture—they soak up flavors beautifully.
Olive oil: A drizzle in the skillet adds richness and helps the cod get that golden sear.
Salt and black pepper: Season generously to bring out the cod’s natural sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Softened butter creates an unctuous, vibrant herb butter to melt over the fish.
Fresh parsley: Bright, grassy notes that cut through the richness of the butter.
Fresh basil: Adds aromatic, peppery freshness and a pop of green color.
Fresh thyme: Earthy and subtle, thyme rounds out the flavor profile.
Garlic: Just one clove gives a punch of savory flavor—don’t skip it!
Cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness and acidity balance the richness of the dish; halve them for best results.
Lemon juice: A finishing squeeze brings everything together with a burst of acidity.
Lemon wedges: Serve these at the table for an extra hit of citrus to taste.

How to Make Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter

Step 1: Prep and Season the Cod

Start by patting your cod fillets dry with paper towels—this is the secret to getting a lovely golden sear. Sprinkle both sides of the fillets with a generous pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance their delicate flavor. Set them aside while you prepare the herb butter; you’re already halfway to deliciousness.

Step 2: Whip Up the Herb Butter

In a small bowl, mash together the softened butter with chopped parsley, basil, thyme, and garlic. Stir until everything is evenly combined and the butter is flecked with green and fragrant with garlic. This vibrant mixture will transform your cod from simple to spectacular the moment it melts.

Step 3: Sear the Cod

Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the cod fillets and sear them for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’re looking for a light golden color, not full cooking—just enough to lock in the juices and start building flavor. The aroma at this stage is already mouth-watering!

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Herb Butter

Once both sides of the cod are golden, scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the fillets in the skillet. Dollop the prepared herb butter generously on top of each piece of fish. As it melts, it’ll mingle with the tomatoes and fish, soaking everything in herby, garlicky richness.

Step 5: Bake and Finish

Transfer the whole skillet to your preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and bake for 6 to 8 minutes. The cod is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and the tomatoes look saucy and soft. Out of the oven, squeeze lemon juice over the top for brightness. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges—and prepare yourself for applause!

How to Serve Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley or basil over the finished dish adds color and even more fresh aroma. Don’t forget to serve those lemon wedges on the side—guests will love squeezing a little more zing over their cod just before eating. If you want to get fancy, a few thin lemon slices on top of each fillet make the presentation pop.

Side Dishes

Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter is exceptional over a bed of fluffy rice or next to roasted potatoes, where the juices and herb butter become an unforgettable sauce. You can also serve it with crusty bread for dipping (truly, don’t let any butter go to waste), or pair with a crisp green salad for a lighter touch.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, serve the cod straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style meal—let everyone help themselves. For special occasions, plate each fillet individually with a spoonful of tomatoes and sauce, a lemon wedge, and a pinch of microgreens. Using colorful cherry tomato varieties adds visual appeal and an extra burst of flavor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter, allow the dish to cool before transferring fillets and sauce into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, keeping the flavors and textures well preserved for a delicious lunch or next-day dinner.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked cod fillets (without the tomatoes for optimal results) for up to 2 months. Allow to cool completely, then wrap tightly and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter in a covered baking dish at 325°F (160°C) for about 10–12 minutes, or until heated through. Add a splash of broth or a tiny knob of butter to keep things moist and restore the dish’s original succulence.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod for Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter?

Yes! Simply thaw the fillets completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking. Frozen cod is a great option and works just as well for this recipe.

What herbs can I substitute if I don’t have fresh ones?

Dried herbs work well in a pinch—just use about a third of the amount called for with fresh herbs. Dried thyme and basil provide plenty of flavor, but add them to the butter so they rehydrate a bit before baking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for anyone with gluten sensitivities. Just double-check that any side dishes are gluten-free, too.

Can I make the herb butter in advance?

Definitely. You can prepare the herb butter up to 3 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. This actually makes assembly on the day of cooking much quicker!

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is perfect. The citrus notes compliment the lemon and herbs in the dish, enhancing the fresh flavors of Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter.

Final Thoughts

Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter is proof that a handful of fresh ingredients can work real magic in the kitchen. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this simple yet flavor-packed recipe is sure to win hearts around your table. Give it a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s one of my most recommended seafood dishes!

Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Delight your taste buds with this succulent Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter recipe. Tender cod fillets are infused with a fragrant herb butter, paired with juicy cherry tomatoes, and finished with a hint of lemon for a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s both easy and elegant.

Ingredients

Scale

Cod Fillets:

4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

Herb Butter:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped)
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (chopped)
1 clove garlic (minced)

Additional:

1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Cod: Pat dry the cod fillets and season with salt and pepper.
Make Herb Butter: Mix softened butter with parsley, basil, thyme, and garlic.
Sear the Cod: Sear cod fillets in olive oil until golden on each side.
Add Tomatoes and Butter: Scatter tomatoes, top fillets with herb butter.
Bake: Bake for 6–8 minutes until fish flakes easily.
Finish and Serve: Drizzle with lemon juice, serve with lemon wedges.