Mediterranean Baked Cod with Olives

$- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and roughly chopped - 1/4 cup green olives, pitted and roughly chopped - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup olive oil - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and black pepper to taste The cod fillets serve as the star of this dish. They are mild and flaky. For the best taste, choose fresh fish when possible. The olives add a salty, briny kick. Kalamata olives bring rich flavor, while green olives add a nice tang. Cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness when baked, balancing the saltiness of the olives. Garlic and red onion add depth and aroma. Fresh parsley brightens the dish with color and freshness. If you can’t find cod, use halibut or tilapia. They have a similar texture and flavor. For the olives, swap Kalamata for black olives if you prefer. Use any small, sweet tomato like grape tomatoes if cherry tomatoes are not available. If you want a lighter version, replace olive oil with avocado oil. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can replace parsley for a different taste. Lastly, if you like heat, add red pepper flakes to the mixture for a spicy kick. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering your ingredients. You need cod fillets, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, green olives, red onion, garlic, parsley, olive oil, lemon, oregano, salt, and pepper. 1. Wash and chop the cherry tomatoes in half. This adds sweetness and color. 2. Pit and chop the olives. Both Kalamata and green olives give a nice salty kick. 3. Slice the red onion thinly. This will add a nice crunch. 4. Mince the garlic. Fresh garlic will boost the flavor. 5. Chop the parsley. It adds freshness to the dish. 6. Zest and juice the lemon. This brightens up all the flavors. Mix all the chopped ingredients in a large bowl. Drizzle half of the olive oil over the mixture. Add lemon zest, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Baking cod is simple but needs precision. Here’s how to do it right: 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This sets the stage for even cooking. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the cod from sticking. 3. Place the cod fillets on the sheet. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over each fillet. 4. Season the fillets lightly with salt and pepper. Now, spoon the olive and tomato mixture over each fillet. Make sure to cover them well. This will help keep the fish moist and flavorful. After baking, let the cod rest. This makes it easier to flake. 1. Bake the cod for 20-25 minutes. Check if it flakes easily with a fork. 2. Remove it from the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes. For a lovely finish, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish. This adds a bright zing. Serve the cod on a large platter. Garnish with extra parsley for a pop of color. You can also serve it with couscous or crusty bread. Enjoy your Mediterranean feast! To get juicy cod, buy fresh fillets. Look for firm fish with a clean smell. Avoid fish that looks dull or has a strong odor. When cooking, do not overbake. Cod cooks fast. At 400°F, it should take just 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness by using a fork. The fish should flake easily. To boost flavors, use quality olive oil. It adds richness. Fresh herbs, like parsley, make a big difference. You can also add red pepper flakes for heat. A sprinkle of feta cheese on top brings a creamy touch. For a zesty kick, add lemon zest. It brightens every bite. One mistake is not seasoning enough. Make sure to salt and pepper the fish well. Another error is overcrowding the baking sheet. Give each fillet space for even cooking. Avoid using old ingredients. Fresh tomatoes and olives bring vibrant flavors. Lastly, do not skip resting the fish after baking. Letting it rest helps the juices settle. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Choosing the freshest cod and ripe cherry tomatoes will enhance the flavor of the dish significantly. Experiment with Olives: Feel free to mix different types of olives or add capers for a unique twist on the classic Mediterranean flavors. Check for Doneness: Cod should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when fully cooked; avoid overcooking for the best texture. Serve with a Side: Pair the dish with couscous, quinoa, or a fresh salad to create a well-rounded meal. {{image_2}} You can swap cod for other seafood. Try using halibut or salmon. These options work well with the olive mix. If you go with shrimp, make sure to adjust the cooking time. Shrimp cooks faster, so add them in the last few minutes. This way, they stay tender. Mixing different seafood adds fun flavors to your dish. You can also add more vegetables. Zucchini and bell peppers bring color and taste. Cut them into small pieces and mix them in with the olives and tomatoes. This adds more nutrients, too! For olives, you can switch to green or even add capers for a briny kick. This keeps the dish fresh and fun. Seasonings can change the whole dish. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes. If you want a more earthy taste, try smoked paprika. You can also use fresh herbs like basil or thyme instead of parsley. This not only changes the flavor but also keeps things interesting. Experimenting with seasonings helps you find your favorite taste. Store leftover Mediterranean Baked Cod in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools down first before sealing. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. You can freeze the cod if you have leftovers. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay good for up to 2 months. To keep the best flavor, add a layer of parchment paper between fillets. To reheat, place the cod in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Cover it with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. For quicker reheating, use a microwave. Just heat for 1-2 minutes on medium power. Check to make sure it’s hot, but don’t overdo it! Enjoy your meal as if it was fresh from the oven. You should bake cod for 20 to 25 minutes at 400°F. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. Yes, you can use frozen cod. Just make sure to thaw it first. Thawing helps it cook evenly. Place the frozen fillets in the fridge overnight for best results. Many sides go well with this dish. Consider serving it with couscous or crusty bread. A fresh salad can also complement the flavors nicely. Try roasted vegetables for a colorful plate. This article covered the key steps for making delicious Mediterranean baked cod. We explored the best ingredients, cooking techniques, and tips for juicy fish. I also shared creative variations and smart storage methods. Now you have all the tools to create this dish with confidence. Enjoy making it your own and impressing others with your new skills. You have the knowledge to create tasty meals that everyone will love. Happy cooking!$

Mediterranean Baked Cod with Olives

A flavorful baked cod dish topped with olives, tomatoes, and herbs.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets cod (about 6 oz each)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
0.5 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and roughly chopped
0.25 cup green olives, pitted and roughly chopped
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
0.25 cup olive oil
1 whole lemon, zested and juiced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
to taste salt
to taste black pepper

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, both types of olives, red onion, minced garlic, parsley, half of the olive oil, lemon zest, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
Place the cod fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Spoon the olive and tomato mixture evenly over each cod fillet, making sure to cover them well.
Squeeze the lemon juice over the dish for added flavor.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve the cod on a large platter, garnishing with extra parsley. Accompany with a side of couscous or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.

Keyword baked, cod, fish, healthy, Mediterranean