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
