Golden Cod with Tomato Basil Sauce
Looking for a flavorful way to enjoy cod? This Golden Cod with Tomato Basil Sauce is a restaurant-worthy dish you can make at home in under 30 minutes. With juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and fresh basil, this meal feels fancy but is simple enough for any night of the week.
Golden Cod with Tomato Basil Sauce
PrintGolden Cod with Tomato Basil Sauce
Pan-seared cod served with a homemade white wine Tomato Basil Sauce, bursting with flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
For the White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce:
2 tablespoons (28ml) olive oil
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
3 large cloves of garlic, finely minced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup (57ml) dry white wine (+1/4 cup for a saucier consistency)
1/2 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
2 tablespoons (28ml) fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (more to taste)
For the Cod:
2 tablespoons (28ml) olive oil
1.5 pounds fresh cod, cut into 4 fillets
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
Make the Tomato Basil Sauce:
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add red pepper flakes and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for 8-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re softened and blistered but still intact.
Pour in the white wine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add basil, lemon juice, zest, salt, sugar, and pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning. Transfer sauce to a bowl and set aside.
Cook the Cod:
Heat oil in a clean nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Pat the cod fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Place fillets in the pan and cook for about 3 minutes, or until golden underneath.
Flip carefully and cook another 3-4 minutes until fully cooked through.
Spoon the warm Tomato Basil Sauce over the fillets and serve immediately.

Notes
The cooking method has been slightly updated, but the delicious flavors remain the same. Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 311kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 158mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 88mg
Tomato Basil Sauce FAQs
Start by sautéing garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil. Add cherry tomatoes, simmer with white wine, then stir in fresh basil, lemon, and seasoning.
Let it simmer longer to reduce liquid or add a small amount of tomato paste for extra thickness.
Enhance the flavor with extra garlic, a dash of chili flakes, or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
Absolutely! This Tomato Basil Sauce is perfect for spaghetti, pasta, or even gnocchi.
Juicy cherry tomatoes are great for a fresh, sweet flavor, but Roma or San Marzano tomatoes also work well.
Explore More with Tomato Basil Sauce
Check out these delicious ideas for more saucy meals:
- Try our “Cheesy Garlic Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast” for a cozy night in.
- Craving steak? Dive into this creamy twist: “Creamy Queso Steak Rice Bowl”.
- Love pasta? Don’t miss this classic: “Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta”.
- Discover how creamy sauces elevate seafood with our “Creamy Salmon Pasta”.
- For more quick dinner inspiration, explore our full “Dinner Casserole Recipes” collection.
Final Thoughts on Tomato Basil Sauce Recipes
Tomato Basil Sauce transforms any dish into something special. Whether you’re cooking cod, pasta, or chicken, this versatile sauce delivers fresh flavor fast. Try it tonight and make dinner extra delicious!