Mediterranean Baked Cod Recipe
Introduction
Mediterranean Baked Cod is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines tender fish with roasted tomatoes, olives, and aromatic herbs. It’s a simple yet elegant meal perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes (about 2 cups, halved if very large)
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 cup black or green olives (or a mix, pitted and halved)
- ¼ cup capers
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning or dried oregano, divided
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1.5 – 2 lbs cod, cut into 4 fillets
- 1 lemon, half sliced and half for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped thyme leaves, basil, or a mix (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425ºF. In a 9-by-13-inch baking dish, combine the tomatoes, onions, garlic, olives, and capers. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or oregano, and chili flakes if using. Toss everything gently to mix well.
- Step 2: Roast the vegetable mixture in the oven until the tomatoes begin to collapse and the onions soften, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Step 3: While the tomato mixture is roasting, pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Drizzle with about 1 tablespoon lemon juice and the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with ½ teaspoon salt, pepper to taste, and the remaining ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning or oregano.
- Step 4: Remove the baking dish from the oven carefully. Place the cod fillets gently over the roasted tomato mixture. Optionally, place lemon slices under the cod or reserve them for garnish.
- Step 5: Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10 to 12 minutes until the fish is slightly firm and flakes easily with a fork. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra depth, add a splash of white wine to the tomato mixture before baking.
- If fresh herbs aren’t available, a pinch of dried thyme or basil can be added during baking for flavor.
- Swap out cod for halibut or haddock if preferred, adjusting cooking time to ensure the fish remains tender.
- Serve with crusty bread or over a bed of couscous or rice to soak up the flavorful juices.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to prevent the fish from drying out. This dish is best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes, frozen cod can be used. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning and baking to prevent excess moisture.
What can I substitute for olives and capers if I don’t like them?
If you prefer a milder flavor, substitute olives and capers with chopped roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for a different Mediterranean twist.
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Mediterranean Baked Cod Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Mediterranean Baked Cod recipe features tender cod fillets baked in a vibrant mixture of roasted cherry tomatoes, olives, capers, and aromatic herbs. Perfectly seasoned and drizzled with lemon and olive oil, this dish offers a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make meal inspired by Mediterranean cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes (about 2 cups, halved if very large)
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
Seafood and Seasonings
- 1.5 – 2 lbs cod, cut into 4 fillets
- 1 lemon, half sliced and half for drizzling
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup black or green olives (or a mix, pitted and halved)
- ¼ cup capers
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning or dried oregano, divided
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped thyme leaves or basil, or a mix (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Tomato Mixture: Heat the oven to 425ºF. In a 9-by-13-inch baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, garlic, olives, and capers. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or oregano, and chili flakes if using. Toss everything together to mix well.
- Roast Vegetables: Roast the tomato mixture in the preheated oven until the tomatoes start to collapse and the onions soften, about 10 to 12 minutes. This step intensifies the flavors and softens the vegetables.
- Prepare the Cod: While the vegetable mixture is roasting, pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Drizzle them with about 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season the fish with ½ teaspoon salt, freshly ground black pepper to taste, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning or oregano.
- Add Cod to Baking Dish: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Gently place the seasoned cod fillets over the roasted tomato mixture. Optionally, place lemon slices underneath the cod or save them for garnish later.
- Bake the Cod: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, until the cod is slightly firm and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, garnish the dish with freshly chopped thyme, basil, or a mix of herbs if desired. Serve immediately for a fresh and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of chili flakes according to your taste.
- You can substitute cod with other firm white fish like haddock or halibut.
- Using fresh herbs such as thyme or basil enhances the flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Serve the baked cod with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.
- Ensure the fish is fresh and patted dry for best texture and flavor absorption.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Mediterranean cod, baked fish, healthy seafood recipe, easy baked cod, cod with tomatoes and olives
