This Mediterranean Baked Cod is a simple and tasty dish. Fresh cod fillets are baked with juicy tomatoes, olives, and a touch of zesty lemon. It’s colorful and full of flavor!
Cooking this cod makes my kitchen smell amazing! I usually pair it with rice or a fresh salad. Just remember, if the fish starts to flake, it’s ready to enjoy! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cod Fillets: Cod is mild and flaky, perfect for absorbing flavors. If you can’t find cod, tilapia or haddock are great substitutes that cook similarly and have a nice texture.
Olives: Kalamata olives bring a rich flavor, while green olives add a nice contrast. If you want a milder taste, use black olives or omit them if you’re not a fan.
Cherry Tomatoes: These sweet little tomatoes burst with flavor. If they’re out of season, canned diced tomatoes can work well, just drain them first.
Red Onion: This onion adds a sweet crunch. You can use yellow onion if needed, but red onion’s color and flavor are particularly nice here.
Capers: They give a tangy punch. If you don’t have them, try using pickles or green olives for a different twist.
Fresh Parsley: Parsley adds freshness. Dried parsley can be used in a pinch, but fresh really brings this dish to life.
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Baked Cod?
Baking cod is straightforward, but monitoring the cooking time is essential for the best texture. Here are steps to follow:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it nice and hot.
- Make sure you don’t overcrowd the baking dish with the vegetable mixture; this helps everything cook evenly.
- Keep an eye on the cod as it bakes—around 15-20 minutes should be enough. You’ll know it’s done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the flavors settle before serving.
Enjoy this dish with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices!
How to Make Mediterranean Baked Cod
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup green olives, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Mediterranean baked cod recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need about 30 minutes before you can enjoy this flavorful dish. It’s quick and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will help your cod cook evenly and become lovely and flaky.
2. Prepare the Vegetable Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, green olives, thinly sliced red onion, minced garlic, rinsed capers, chopped parsley, dried oregano, lemon zest, and half of the lemon juice. Then, drizzle in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Give everything a good toss to combine the flavors.
3. Spread in Baking Dish:
Transfer the colorful vegetable and olive mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This base will be delicious once baked!
4. Add the Cod Fillets:
Now, place the cod fillets on top of the vegetable mixture in the baking dish. Drizzle the remaining olive oil and lemon juice over the fillets, and season them with a bit more salt, pepper, and some extra oregano if you like. This adds a wonderful layer of flavor to the fish!
5. Bake the Cod:
Slide the baking dish into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, take it out of the oven and sprinkle additional chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch. Serve your Mediterranean baked cod hot, ideally with some crusty bread or on a bed of rice or quinoa to soak up all those yummy juices. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Cod Fillets for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen cod fillets, make sure to thaw them completely before baking. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or place them sealed in a plastic bag and submerge in cold water for about an hour. Pat them dry before seasoning and placing them in the baking dish for better flavor absorption.
What Can I Use Instead of Kalamata Olives?
If you don’t have Kalamata olives, you can substitute with Niçoise olives or any other briny black olives you prefer. The flavor will vary slightly, but you’ll still get that delicious Mediterranean taste!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of lemon juice can help refresh the flavors!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the vegetable and olive mixture up to a day in advance; just cover and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, spread it in the baking dish, top with cod, and proceed with the recipe as directed. This makes for an easy and quick dinner on busy nights!
