Mediterranean Baked Cod With Olives (Printable)

Flaky cod baked in zesty tomato sauce with olives, capers, and herbs

# Ingredient List:

→ Fish

01 - 4 cod fillets (5-6 oz each), skinless and boneless
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Sauce & Vegetables

04 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
06 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
08 - 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
09 - 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
10 - 2 tablespoons capers, drained
11 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
13 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
14 - 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
15 - Zest of 1 lemon
16 - Juice of 1/2 lemon

# How to Make:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and season both sides with salt and pepper. Set aside.
02 - In a large ovenproof skillet or baking dish, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and red bell pepper; cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
03 - Stir in the diced tomatoes, olives, capers, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors. Remove from heat and stir in half of the parsley, basil, and lemon zest.
04 - Nestle the cod fillets into the sauce, spooning a little sauce over each. Bake uncovered for 15-18 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
05 - Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with the remaining parsley, basil, and lemon zest before serving.

# Helpful Tips:

01 -
  • The briny olives and bright lemon make every bite feel like a coastal vacation
  • It comes together in under 45 minutes but tastes like something you'd order at a little seaside taverna
02 -
  • Don't skip patting the fish dry. Moisture on the surface creates steam instead of that nice tender texture you want.
  • The sauce will look loose when you first put it in the oven, but it thickens beautifully as the fish releases its juices.
03 -
  • If your cod is on the thinner side, check it after 12 minutes. Overcooked fish is a tragedy you can easily avoid.
  • Let the whole dish rest for 5 minutes after baking before serving. The sauce settles and the fish firms up slightly.

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