Description
Cod with Herb Butter Sauce is a comforting yet elegant seafood dish featuring tender baked cod finished with a rich tomato herb butter. The mild flaky fish absorbs the savory sauce made with fresh tomatoes butter garlic and herbs creating a balanced flavorful meal that feels special without being complicated. This recipe is ideal for home cooks looking for a reliable fish dinner that tastes fresh satisfying and visually appealing.
Ingredients
Fresh cod fillets cut into individual portions
Olive oil for cooking and drizzling
Kosher salt adjusted to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
Fresh lemon for juice
Shallot finely chopped
Garlic cloves minced
Grape or cherry tomatoes
Chicken stock
Red pepper flakes
Granulated sugar
Unsalted butter sliced
Fresh herbs including basil parsley chives and cilantro
Instructions
1. Prepare the tomato herb butter by gently cooking shallot and garlic in olive oil until soft and fragrant
2. Add tomatoes chicken stock salt red pepper flakes and sugar then simmer until the tomatoes break down and the liquid reduces
3. Remove from heat and stir in butter followed by fresh herbs then cover and keep warm
4. Heat the oven and lightly oil a baking dish large enough for the cod to rest in one layer
5. Pat the cod dry arrange in the dish season well with salt and pepper drizzle with olive oil and fresh lemon juice
6. Cover tightly and bake until the cod is opaque and flakes easily
7. Spoon the warm tomato herb butter over the cod then cover loosely and allow it to rest briefly before serving
8. Finish with extra fresh herbs and serve immediately
Notes
Choose fresh cod with a clean mild aroma for best results
Drying the fish well before baking helps maintain a firm flaky texture
Simmer the sauce patiently to develop a rich concentrated flavor
Add butter off heat to keep the sauce smooth and velvety
Allow the baked cod to rest briefly so the flavors settle evenly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American