This Mediterranean Baked Cod is an easy and flavorful dinner made with tender cod, juicy cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, garlic, herbs, and lemon. Everything comes together in one baking dish for a simple and delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets, about 6 oz each
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup Kalamata olives
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with a little olive oil.
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, oregano, and thyme.
- Place the cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives in the baking dish.
- Add the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Gently mix everything together.
- Place the seasoned cod fillets over the tomatoes and olives.
- Arrange the lemon slices around the fish and drizzle a little olive oil over the cod.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish.
- The cod is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and spoon some of the warm tomato and olive mixture over the fish.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and add a final squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Questions & Answers
Q: Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
A: Yes. Thaw the cod completely and pat it dry before seasoning.
Q: Can I use another type of fish?
A: Yes. Haddock, halibut, sea bass, or tilapia can also be used.
Q: Can I use green olives instead of Kalamata olives?
A: Yes. Green olives are a good substitute and add a slightly different flavor.
Q: How do I know when the cod is cooked?
A: The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. It should reach 145°F (63°C) internally.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Yes. Zucchini, bell peppers, spinach, or artichoke hearts work well with this recipe.
Q: What should I serve with baked cod?
A: Serve it with roasted potatoes, rice, couscous, crusty bread, or a fresh green salad.
Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the tomatoes, olives, garlic, and seasoning ahead of time. Add the fish just before baking for the best texture.
Tip
For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and good-quality olive oil. Add a final squeeze of lemon over the cod just before serving to give the dish a fresh Mediterranean finish.