Imagine a dish that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that transports you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of the Mediterranean. This Baked Cod with Tomatoes and Crispy Breadcrumbs is not just a meal—it's a sensory experience that combines the delicate flakiness of fresh cod, the vibrant burst of cherry tomatoes, and an irresistibly crunchy breadcrumb topping that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds. Get ready to elevate your home cooking and impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality recipe that's surprisingly easy to prepare!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the cod cooks evenly and the breadcrumbs become crispy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and toss gently to coat the tomatoes evenly.
- Spread the tomato mixture evenly in a baking dish, creating a bed for the cod fillets.
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Place the seasoned cod fillets on top of the tomato mixture in the baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. This will help them crisp up in the oven.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture generously over the cod fillets, ensuring they are well-covered for a crunchy topping.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the baked cod hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy alongside a side salad or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
Tips
- Always pat your cod fillets dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect crisp and prevent steaming.
- Use fresh, high-quality breadcrumbs for the crunchiest topping. Panko breadcrumbs work exceptionally well.
- Don't overcook the fish—cod is delicate and can become dry. Check it at the 20-minute mark.
- For extra flavor, try adding lemon zest to your breadcrumb mixture or a splash of white wine to the tomato base.
- Choose firm, fresh cod fillets of similar thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld and the fish to finish cooking gently.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature, pairing with a crisp white wine or fresh salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 75mg
