“`html
If you love dishes that burst with fresh flavors yet come together effortlessly, you’re going to adore this Mediterranean Baked Cod Recipe. It’s a vibrant, wholesome meal featuring flaky cod nestled among juicy cherry tomatoes, sweet red onion, pungent garlic, and briny black olives, all brought together with fragrant Italian seasoning and a touch of butter. The balance of freshness and richness in this recipe turns simple ingredients into a comforting, elegant dish perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple but each plays a crucial role in building the dish’s vibrant personality. Freshness from the cod, sweetness from the tomatoes, and savory accents from the olives and garlic work harmoniously to create an unforgettable taste experience.
- Cod fillet, 1 ½ pounds: Choose thick, firm pieces for perfect flaky texture after baking.
- Small red onion or large shallot, sliced: Adds sweet and slightly sharp depth to the dish.
- Garlic cloves, 3 crushed: Crushed garlic releases aromatic oils that infuse the fish beautifully.
- Cherry tomatoes, 1 pound halved: Their natural juiciness creates a delicious sauce while baking.
- Black olives, ¼ cup sliced: These bring a salty, briny punch that elevates the overall flavor.
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon: Enhances richness and helps meld all the ingredients together.
- Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon: A blend of herbs that wraps the dish in warm, savory notes.
- Salt & pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to highlight every flavor.
- White wine or water, ¼ cup: Adds moisture to keep the cod tender and creates a subtle cooking broth.
- Butter, 4 tablespoons chopped: Melts into the dish providing luscious silkiness and depth.
How to Make Mediterranean Baked Cod Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Position the Cod
Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, perfect for roasting the cod gently so it stays delicate and flaky. Lightly grease a rectangular baking dish — this ensures nothing sticks and cleanup is easier. Nestle your cod fillets neatly into the dish, giving each piece room to cook evenly and soak up all the surrounding flavors.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
Scatter your sliced red onion or shallot, crushed garlic, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced black olives all around and on top of the fish. These vibrant ingredients will soften and release their juices as they bake, creating the foundation of that signature Mediterranean brightness that defines this baked cod recipe.
Step 3: Season and Drizzle
Drizzle olive oil liberally across all ingredients — it helps everything roast beautifully and ties the flavors together. Sprinkle Italian seasoning evenly for a herby lift, then season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to heighten every taste note. This step makes sure your dish is bursting with aroma and perfectly balanced.
Step 4: Add Liquid and Butter, then Bake
Pour the white wine (or water if you prefer) into the baking dish; this keeps the cod moist and helps create a light sauce as it bakes. Dot the chopped butter evenly over the top, which will melt slowly and enrich the entire dish with its creamy texture. Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until the cherry tomatoes burst and the fish flakes easily with a fork—signaling a perfectly cooked Mediterranean Baked Cod Recipe ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Mediterranean Baked Cod Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a bright, fresh finish both in flavor and appearance. For a touch of zing, grate a little lemon zest over the top just before serving; it complements the Mediterranean ingredients wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a light side like fluffy couscous, fragrant herb rice, or even rustic crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette will also balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Mediterranean Baked Cod Recipe on a vibrant platter lined with fresh greens or edible flowers for a stunning centerpiece. Alternatively, portion into individual bowls topped with a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil for a casual yet elegant presentation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover baked cod and vegetables in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, so leftovers make a tasty second-day meal.
Freezing
Because of the delicate texture of baked fish and the fresh vegetables, freezing is not ideal as it can affect quality. However, if necessary, freeze the cod separately before cooking for best results and prepare the Mediterranean sauce fresh when ready to eat.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid drying out the fish. Adding a splash of water or olive oil before reheating helps maintain moisture and keeps the cod tender and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish instead of cod?
Absolutely! Firm white fish like haddock, halibut, or sea bass work wonderfully in this Mediterranean Baked Cod Recipe. Just adjust cooking time slightly depending on thickness.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, water is a simple and effective substitute that will keep the dish moist without altering the flavors too much. You could also try vegetable broth for added depth.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! The Mediterranean Baked Cod Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic choice for those with gluten sensitivities or anyone wanting a wholesome meal.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can assemble the dish up to step 3 and refrigerate before baking. Just bring it to room temperature before placing in the oven for best results.
How do I know when the cod is perfectly cooked?
The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an opaque appearance. The tomatoes should be soft and juicy but not completely collapsed.
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Baked Cod Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both special and comforting at the same time. I encourage you to give it a try soon—whether for a family dinner or a casual get-together, it’s sure to brighten the table and delight everyone’s taste buds with its fresh, vibrant flavors.
“`
Print
Mediterranean Baked Cod Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Mediterranean Baked Cod is a flavorful, healthy dish featuring fresh cod fillets baked with cherry tomatoes, olives, garlic, and Italian seasoning. This simple oven-baked meal combines vibrant Mediterranean ingredients with buttery richness, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Fish and Vegetables
- 1 ½ pounds cod fillet
- 1 small red onion or large shallot, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 pound cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
Seasoning and Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup white wine or water
- 4 tablespoons butter, chopped
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a rectangular baking dish that will comfortably fit the cod fillets and tomatoes. Place the cod pieces inside the dish in a single layer.
- Add vegetables: Scatter the sliced red onion (or shallot), crushed garlic cloves, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced black olives evenly around the cod in the baking dish.
- Season: Drizzle the olive oil over the fish and vegetables. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over everything, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Finish and bake: Pour the white wine or water into the dish to add moisture. Evenly distribute the chopped butter over the fish and vegetables. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and the tomatoes are soft and cooked through.
Notes
- White wine can be substituted with water for a non-alcoholic version.
- Use fresh cod fillets for best flavor and texture.
- Ensure the baking dish is large enough so ingredients are in a single layer for even cooking.
- Serve with crusty bread or a side of rice to soak up the flavorful juices.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt, since olives add natural saltiness.
