Prepare to transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched coastlines of Italy with this incredibly simple yet explosively flavorful Cod with Italian-Style Salsa! In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that looks impressive, tastes divine, and will make you feel like a gourmet chef. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a quick, healthy meal, this recipe promises to turn an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure that celebrates the fresh, vibrant flavors of Italian coastal cuisine.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 2 tbsp capers
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the cod fillets by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering but not smoking.
- Carefully place the cod fillets into the hot skillet, cooking for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side until the fish is golden brown and easily flakes with a fork.
- While the fish is cooking, prepare the Italian-style salsa by combining diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, capers, and chopped fresh basil in a small mixing bowl.
- Once the cod is cooked through and has a golden exterior, transfer the fillets to serving plates.
- Spoon the prepared salsa mixture generously over the top of each cod fillet, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve immediately while the fish is still hot.
- Optional: Accompany the dish with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad to complete the meal.
Tips
- Pat the cod fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust that seals in moisture.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and the best searing results.
- Don't overcrowd the pan - cook fish in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and achieve that beautiful golden exterior.
- Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially for the salsa - ripe tomatoes and fresh basil make a huge difference.
- Let the cod rest for a minute after cooking to help it retain its juices and ensure maximum tenderness.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider briefly toasting the capers in the pan before adding them to the salsa.
- If fresh basil isn't available, you can substitute with dried herbs, but reduce the quantity by about two-thirds.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 70mg
