This cod recipe is one of the best meals I’ve ever made, but don’t just take my word for it! With over 100 ratings and a 5-star review, it’s loved by readers, too. It has continued to be one of the most popular recipes on the site since I first posted it in 2016, getting millions of page views on a regular basis.

Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter - the best cod recipe you will ever make! Flavorful, flaky, and tender. this recipe

Buttery Cod Fish Recipe

This is one of my favorite dinners to make when I want something a little special without spending hours in the kitchen. The cod is tender and flaky, but the tomato herb butter is what makes this dish worth sharing.

My tip is to let the tomatoes cook down until most of the liquid has evaporated, then stir in the butter and fresh herbs off the heat. You’ll end up with a rich, velvety sauce that’s full of flavor. I promise you’ll want to eat it by the spoonful.

I love serving it with rice, or simply crusty garlic bread for soaking up every bit of sauce. Add a side chopped salad, and you have a dinner that feels special but comes together in about 45 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Butter and Tomato Baked Cod Recipe

    • Big flavor from simple ingredients. Tomatoes, butter, and fresh herbs create a rich sauce that complements the mild, flaky cod.
    • Ready in 45 minutes. Special enough for company and simple enough for a weeknight.
    • Easy to make a meal. Serve with rice or crusty bread to soak up the sauce and a simple salad on the side.

    Baked Cod Recipe Ingredients

    See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

    • Cod fillets: Choose pieces of similar thickness so they cook evenly. Frozen cod works too; thaw completely and pat dry well to remove excess moisture.
    • Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes work best here. Let them soften and burst as they simmer to build the base of the sauce.
    • Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the seasoning. Stir it in off the heat for a smooth, velvety sauce.
    • Fresh herbs: Basil, parsley, chives, or a combination all work well. Add them at the end to preserve their fresh flavor.
    • Sugar: A small amount balances the tomatoes’ acidity. If your tomatoes are especially sweet, you can reduce it or leave it out.
    ingredients for baked cod in herb butter

    How to Make The Best Baked Cod Recipe Ever

    The recipe card below has all the details you need.

    ingredients for best cod recipe

    Step 1: Make the sauce. Sauté the shallot and garlic, then add the tomatoes, stock, and seasonings. Simmer until the tomatoes break down and most of the liquid evaporates.

    Step 2: Finish with butter and herbs. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter and fresh herbs.

    Step 3: Bake the cod. Pat dry, season, and arrange in an oiled baking dish. Add olive oil and lemon juice, cover tightly, and bake until the fish flakes easily.

    Step 4: Combine and serve. Spoon the tomato herb butter over the cod. Cover and let stand for 1–2 minutes before serving.

    Baked Cod Recipe Variations

    • Try another fish. Swap the cod for haddock or halibut, adjusting the baking time for the thickness of your fillets.
    • Add olives or capers. Stir a small handful of sliced Kalamata olives or a spoonful of drained capers into the tomato sauce. Taste before adding extra salt.
    • Adjust the heat. Add a little more red pepper flakes for extra warmth, or leave them out for a milder sauce.

    What to Serve with Baked Cod

    I like to keep the sides simple so the tomato herb butter can shine.

    • Rice or quinoa: Spoon the cod and sauce over cooked rice or quinoa to catch all those flavorful juices.
    • Crusty bread: My favorite for soaking up the sauce. Try my garlic sourdough bread if you want something a little extra.
    • A fresh salad: My house salad adds crunch and a refreshing balance to the buttery sauce.

    Best Baked Cod Recipe FAQs

    Why is my baked Cod so tough?

    If your cod turns out tough or rubbery, it usually means it was overcooked. Cod is naturally a delicate fish, so it doesn’t take long in the oven. A good rule of thumb is to cook it until it just flakes easily with a fork. I always recommend keeping an eye on the thickness of your fillets. Thicker pieces need a little more time, while thinner ones can be done in as little as 10 minutes.

    What is the best seasoning for Cod?

    My go-to is a mix of garlic, lemon, fresh herbs, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. But it’s also delicious with Mediterranean spices like paprika, oregano, or dill. If you want to keep things super simple, even just olive oil, salt, and pepper will do the trick.

    Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter - the best cod recipe you will ever make! Flavorful, flaky, and tender. Plus at only 278 cal | littlebroken.com @littlebroken

    Video: How to Make Cod with Tomato and Herb Butter

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    Close up side view of cod in tomato herb butter

    Best Baked Cod Recipe Ever

    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 119 reviews
    • Author: Katya
    • Prep Time: 20 mins
    • Cook Time: 25 mins
    • Total Time: 45 mins
    • Yield: 4-6 1x
    • Category: Dinner
    • Method: Baking
    • Cuisine: American
    Print Recipe

    Description

    Most tender, flakiest, and flavorful cod you will ever make! This tomato and herb butter compliments the mild tasting cod in the most delicious way ever. It will be the only baked cod with butter you will crave time after time.

    Ingredients

    Units Scale

    Tomato and Herb Butter

    • 1 medium shallot, finely chopped
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 Tbsp. olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
    • 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes
    • 1/2 cup chicken stock
    • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
    • 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
    • 1/4 tsp. granulated sugar
    • 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, sliced
    • 3 Tbsp. fresh chopped herbs (basil, parsley, chives, cilantro), plus extra for garnish

    Cod

    • 2 – 2 1/4 pounds fresh cod fillets, cut into 6-8 oz. portions*
    • 1 lemon
    • Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper

    Instructions

    Tomato and Herb Butter

    1. In a small saucepan heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté shallot and garlic for 4-5 minutes or until soft, stirring occasionally.
    2. Add tomatoes, chicken stock, sea salt, red pepper flakes, and sugar. Simmer, uncovered, for 15-17 minutes or until tomatoes break down and release their juices and liquid has almost evaporated.
    3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter and fresh herbs. The herb butter should be velvety and thick. Cover and keep warm while the cod is baking.

    Cod

    1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
    2. Drizzle the bottom of a casserole dish lightly with olive oil. You want a dish big enough to fit the cod in a single layer with some room around or you will get too much juice during baking.
    3. Pat dry the cod really well and place in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper to taste but be generous. Drizzle the top lightly with olive oil and squeeze of fresh lemon. I used about 1/2 lemon. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 12-18 minutes or until easily flaked. Baking time will depend on the thickness of the cod.
    4. Remove from the oven and evenly spread the tomato butter over the cod. Cover back with aluminum foil and let stand at room temperature for 1-2 minutes before serving. You just want all the flavors to come together.
    5. Garnish with fresh chopped herbs, if desired, and serve immediately.

    Notes

    • Cod: Choose similar thicknesses for even cooking.

    • Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the fish. I don’t recommend freezing.

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 (6-8 oz.) fillet plus sauce
    • Calories: 350
    • Sugar: 3.1 g
    • Sodium: 383.3 mg
    • Fat: 11.1 g
    • Carbohydrates: 6.8 g
    • Protein: 57.7 g
    • Cholesterol: 168.7 mg

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