Dive into my Tomato Garlic Baked Cod, a go-to for busy nights when I crave something flavorful yet effortless! With seasoned rock cod, juicy tomatoes, and melty Gruyere cheese, it’s my go-to dinner fix in just 15 minutes. Trust me, this baked rockfish will become your weeknight savior!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
This Tomato Garlic Baked Cod recipe holds a special place in my heart for its simplicity, mouthwatering flavors, and how the recipe was born! Crafted from my love for seafood and inspired by a memorable fishing trip where I caught a local rock cod, a fellow fisherman recommended baking it with seasoning and a splash of olive oil, topped with juicy tomatoes!
So, I combined inspiration from that moment with my signature melting cheese technique from recipes like my Seafood Gratin Bake and Baked Salmon with Parmesan Crust. It’s a delightful main course that’s ideal for anyone seeking an easy, fuss-free dish with minimal cleanup, and who doesn’t want that!
Plus, while it bakes to perfection, you’ll have plenty of time to whip up a delicious side dish like my Broccoli Caesar Salad. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist the irresistible combination of flavors in this dish – it’s a must-try for seafood lovers everywhere!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Rock Cod Fillets – Any variety of rockfish will work with this recipe. You can also substitute with firm white texture meat such as lingcod, pacific cod, halibut, and pacific snapper.
- Tomato – fresh whole tomato.
- Garlic – freshly chopped.
- Sweetener – use your preferred sweetener.
- Cayenne Pepper – or use chili pepper or chili pepper flakes.
- Salt – sea salt preferred.
- Black Pepper – ground
- Gruyere Cheese – best to use a block and shred the cheese yourself. Can substitute with mozzarella or any cheese that pulls, but will alter the flavor.
- Olive Oil – extra virgin olive oil or olive oil of choice.
- Parsley – freshly chopped.
Additional Seasoning Add Ins
For additional seasoning add-ins, consider incorporating Lemon Juice, Lemon Slices, Lemon Zest, Lemon Pepper, and Garlic Powder. These ingredients enhance the flavor profile of the dish, offering a delightful burst of citrusy freshness and savory notes.
Fish Substitutions
If you can’t find rock cod locally, you can easily substitute it with other options like Grouper, Lingcod, or Halibut.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
Directions
Step 1 Combine your dry seasoning of sweeter, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper in a mixing bowl.
Step 2 Season the rockfish fillets and place them in an oiled baking dish.
Step 3 Sprinkle minced garlic, tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil on top. Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
🌡 Internal Temperature Check
For best results, confirm the fillet reaches a minimum of 145°F in the center at the thickest part when baking.
🌿 Garnishing Pro Tip
For an extra touch of flavor and presentation, top your dish with Chopped Parsley or your preferred Fresh Herbs.
Pairing Recommendations
To complement this baked seafood dish, consider serving it alongside a simple green side salad dressed in my Caesar Dressing. Alternatively, opt for a comforting bowl of creamy Salmon Bacon Chowder paired with my Cajun Cauliflower Rice to complete your meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any type of cheese for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of melting cheese for this recipe. While I personally prefer Gruyère cheese, alternatives like Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Provolone work just as well.
Can I substitute the rock cod with another type of fish?
While rock cod is ideal for its light, sweet flavor and tender texture when baked, you can substitute it with other types of fish if needed. Grouper, halibut, or lingcod are good alternatives that can also work well in this recipe.
How long does it take to bake the rock cod?
The baking time for rock cod can vary based on its thickness, but typically it takes around 12 to 15 minutes in the oven until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Keep an eye on it to ensure it's cooked to perfection, and adjust the time accordingly if needed.
Storage Tips
To maintain freshness, store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This method ensures that the food remains safe to consume for a period of 3 to 5 days.
Other Recipes You Might Like
- Pan Seared Cod with Ginger Sauce
- Garlic Shrimp Fried Rice
- Feta Ground Beef Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Trader Joe’s Meatball
Watch How To Make It
Tomato Garlic Baked Cod
Ingredients
- 1/2 lbs Rock Cod Fillets can sub with other white meat fish fillets
- 1 Medium Tomato
- 2 Cloves Garlic
- 1/2 tsp Sweetener your preferred sweetener
- 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/4 Cup Shredded Gruyere Cheese can sub with Parmesan
- 1/2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/2 tsp Fresh Parsley optional garnish
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Mince garlic cloves, chop parsley and slice tomatoes as shown below.
- In a mixing bowl, combine sweetener, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper and set aside.
- Pat dry fish fillets with a paper towel and then generously sprinkle seasoning on both sides of the fish fillets. Add a touch of olive oil to coat the bottom of the baking dish and then transfer fillets as shown below.
- In the following order, top fillets with sliced tomatoes, Gruyere cheese, minced garlic and the rest of the olive oil. Transfer the baking pan into the center of the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the fish easily flakes off with a fork.
- After baking, transfer cod fillets onto a serving plate and top with chopped parsley. Note - adjust taste with salt if needed.
Nutrition
*Values Based Per Serving