Imagine a meal that's as delightful to your taste buds as it is easy to prepare. Dream of a dish that marries the convenience of modern cooking with the timeless, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. Well, I've got something that fits that bill perfectly - my Instant Pot Mediterranean Cod.
I'm thrilled to introduce you to my Instant Pot Mediterranean Cod recipe, a dish that promises to transport your taste buds straight to a sunny Greek island. Perfect main dish in only 20 minutes total!
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is a game-changer for a multitude of reasons. Firstly, it combines the convenience of an Instant Pot with the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. This means less time in the kitchen and more time relishing your meal.
And let's be real, who doesn't love an easy-to-make, tasty dish that doesn't compromise on health? The cod, brimming with lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, harmonizes wonderfully with the tang of lemon juice and the robust taste of tomato sauce. The butter lends a smooth richness, while the oregano adds a punch of flavor that transports your senses straight to a seaside Greek taverna.
Secondly, this recipe is incredibly versatile. It can be adapted to suit dietary restrictions, can be made with both fresh and frozen cod, and is perfect for both a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat. The best part? The Instant Pot makes the cooking process a breeze, ensuring the cod is perfectly cooked every single time.
Ingredients
Cod fillets: You can use both fresh or frozen fillets for this recipe. If you don't have cod, feel free to substitute it with another firm white fish like haddock or pollock.
Lemon juice: This adds a bright, tangy note to the dish. Freshly squeezed is the best, but bottled works fine too.
Butter: It lends a richness and depth to the sauce. If you're dairy-free, you can use a good-quality olive oil instead.
Oregano: This herb is a staple in Mediterranean cooking. If you don't have it, dried basil or thyme can work as a substitute.
Tomato sauce: It forms the base of our sauce. You could use a canned variety or make your own at home.
Tips
- If using frozen cod, ensure it is completely thawed before cooking.
- Avoid overcooking the cod as it may become tough and rubbery.
- Fresh herbs always add more flavor. If available, garnish with some fresh oregano.
- You can adjust the amount of lemon juice based on your preference for tanginess.
- Ensure your Instant Pot is properly sealed before starting the pressure cooking process.
How to Serve
This Instant Pot Mediterranean Cod is a versatile dish that can be served in numerous ways. The rich, robust flavors of the tomato sauce and cod fillets make it a hearty meal that pairs well with a variety of sides.
Over pasta: Toss some cooked spaghetti or penne in the rich tomato sauce, then top with the cod fillet for a wholesome, Mediterranean-style pasta dish.
With rice: Serve the cod and sauce over a bed of warm, fluffy rice. This simple pairing allows the flavors of the dish to truly shine.
Alongside vegetables: For a low-carb option, serve the cod with steamed or roasted vegetables. The sauce from the cod makes a delicious dressing!
For a healthy meal, you can serve the cod with brown rice, farro or as I did - with Zoodles (zucchini noodles) .
Need more ideas? Check out What To Serve With Cod for 15 delicious side dishes.
Can I use frozen Cod?
Yes, you an use frozen fish for this Instant Pot Mediterranean cod recipe. Just add 2 minutes to the cooking time.
What other fish can I use?
I you don't have cod, this Instant Pot recipe would work great with Haddock, Pollack, Stripped Bass, Hake or Mahi Mahi.
You can also use it for fish tacos.
Seafood recipes
Instant Pot Mediterranean Cod
Ingredients
- 4 pieces cod frozen or fresh
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 2 teaspoon oregano
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Press saute and add butter.
- Add the remaining ingredients (except cod) into the Instant Pot and Sauté for 9 minutes.
- Add the fish and use a spoon to cover each piece of fish with sauce.
- Close the lid and cook at high pressure for 5 minutes (frozen fish) or 3 minutes (fresh fish).
- When cooking time is complete do a quick pressure release and open the lid.
- Serve and enjoy 🙂
Nutrition
Tried this recipe as directed and the instant pot never fully pressurized (likely due to the lack of fluid even though I added the remainder of the can of sauce once cooking for 9 minutes left very little liquid in the pot). I used frozen cod. The sauce burned and I had to check the temp of each fillet to make sure we could still eat it. Too bad.
Oh no, I'm sorry the recipe didn't work out for you. Different pressure cooker models work a little differently, so sounds like you need to add more liquid to yours in the future.