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Mild, tender cod filets are baked in a buttery lemon pepper sauce with cherry tomatoes and capers, and topped with fresh herbs. It’s a simple, vibrant dish full of flavor.
Holly’s Recipe Highlights
- Flavor: Fresh, citrusy, and guilt-free baked cod is perfect as a low-carb lunch or light dinner.
- Skill Level: Everything is cooked in a single pan for easy serving and easy cleanup.
- Recommended Tools: A meat thermometer ensures your fish is perfectly cooked every time! Fish should be cooked to 145°F.
- Swaps: Use halibut, haddock, or tilapia if cod isn’t available.
Baked Cod Ingredients
- Fish: Cod comes in pre-portioned fresh or frozen fillets. Choose thicker fillets for juicier results, and if using frozen cod, be sure to thaw it before cooking.
- Tomatoes: Roasting tomatoes adds a sweet and smoky flavor to baked cod. Cherry tomatoes are sweet and juicy, and grape tomatoes also work and come in a variety of colors that make for a great presentation.
- Variations: No capers? No problem! Use chopped Kalamata or Manzanilla olives instead. Use thinly sliced potatoes or sliced red onions as a ‘raft’ to bake the cod on for an easy and delicious instant side dish. Instead of lemon pepper seasoning, add Italian seasoning.
- Toppings: Try topping this dish with sliced green onions, fresh basil, parmesan, or feta cheese crumbles. Sprinkle crushed pork rinds on top of the finished dish and broil for about a minute for a crispy topping.
How to Make Baked Cod with Tomatoes
- Toss cod with lemon and oil (full recipe below).
- Toss tomatoes with garlic, oil, seasoning, capers, basil, salt, and pepper. Roast.
- Add the cod to the pan. Drizzle with butter and bake.
Leftover Cod?
Store leftover baked cod with tomatoes in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy it cold on a salad, or reheat in the microwave. Leftovers can also be turned into fish tacos or chopped up and added to a pita pocket.
What to Serve With Baked Cod?
Did you enjoy this Baked Cod with Tomatoes? Leave a comment and rating below.
Baked Cod with Tomatoes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets 5-6 ounces each
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil + 1 teaspoon, divided
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- chopped fresh parsley and basil for serving, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss cod with lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Place in the refrigerator.
- Toss tomatoes with remaining tablespoon of olive oil, garlic, basil, capers, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt & pepper to taste. Place in a 9×13 pan and roast 10 minutes.
- Remove cod from the fridge and nestle in the pan with the tomatoes. Drizzle melted butter over cod.
- Bake for 11-14 minutes or just until opaque and the fish flakes easily. Do not overcook. Internal temperature of fish should be 145°F
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with parsley and basil before serving.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Dinner, Entree, Fish, Main Course
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
I made this. First time I have made a successful cod dish. Delicious. Served with mixed rice and roasted cauliflower and broccoli.
So happy to hear that, Sally! Glad you enjoyed it.
This was delicious and so easy to make. Thank you!
We really enjoyed this recipe! Had all ingredients on hand except fresh parsley so assembly was easy. Topped off dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and small amount of grated lemon rind and put under broiler for 2 minutes. Delicious! Will be having this again soon.
Perfect!
This was really tasty . Unless I’m missing something, there is lemon pepper seasoning listed in the ingredients but not in the directions. I put it on the fish but not the tomato mixture . I took your suggestion of baking the brussel sprouts along with everything else. I’m glad I did. Thanks for an easy , healthy , delicious recipe.
Sorry about that Paula! I have updated the recipe, the lemon pepper seasoning is added in step 2. Thanks so much for leaving a comment!
I didn’t have cod so I substituted with salmon. It only required a little longer cook time, about 15 minutes longer. I just kept checking for flakiness with a fork. This is REALLY good! I will definitely be making this again.
So happy you enjoyed it, Barbara!
delicious, easy to make
the whole family loved it
That’s great, Sofia! Happy to hear that.
I can’t find the definition for lemon pepper seasoning in this recipe. What is it?
Hi Kathleen, we have a homemade lemon pepper seasoning recipe that explains it best!
It’s in the seasoning aisle…..
Excellent recipe. Even my picky eaters loved it. We will have it again soon.
I am so happy to hear this recipe was a hit George!
No cherry tomatoes so I substituted a small can of drained, diced tomatoes that I crushed somewhat. I added a bit of honey, too. YUM
So happy you enjoyed this recipe, Diane!
I made this recipe yesterday, 3/4/2022 with great results. The roasted tomatoes were delicious. The cod perfectly flavored. I used the tip regarding a few bread crumbs under the broiler since I didn’t have either fresh parsley or basil. My only issue was that I left the cod a bit too long in the marinade and the fish was not as firm textured as I would have liked, but that’s on me. I have printed this recipe and added it to my recipes. We will be making this again soon. Delicious!
So glad you enjoyed this recipe, David!
This is my go to recipe for baked cod. Love it! I’ve made this several times and having it again tonight.
Thanks for sharing Cindy!
Great! Tried to duplicate the Maggiano’s recipe! Close but “ No Cigar” !!! Not the fish problem b/c it was great, fresh cod from Seattle( frozen) it was wonderful ( caught, flash frozen) and shipped. But my cooking????? Anyway, it was GREAT- capers, lemons, garlic, and Love!!!! Hi
I am glad you enjoyed it, Victoria!
Excellent recipe – simple prep with delicious result
Glad you enjoyed it, Daniel!
Very delicious .. I made it! It was easy and so tasty! I’ll make it again soon!
Glad to hear you enjoyed it!!
I made this tonight and it was very good. I will make it again. With the tomatoes and the other several ingredients, it made a little sauce that I think would have gone great with the rice I wish I would have made. I have leftovers, so tomorrow I’ll make the rice with the leftovers. Thanks.
Learning how to cook…..