Easy Mediterranean Baked Cod with Tomatoes and Olives
Easy Mediterranean Baked Cod with Tomatoes and Olives. After making this many times, I’ve perfected the crispy, flaky cod in a rich, tangy tomato olive sauce. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Irish Whiskey Steak with Creamy Colcannon Mash and Sweet and Tangy Cranberry Meatballs for Easy Dinner.
Why This Easy Mediterranean Baked Cod with Tomatoes and Olives Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy, flaky cod in a rich, tangy sauce.
- Ready in 20 minutes, better than takeout.
- One pan, easy cleanup.
What You'll Need for Easy Mediterranean Baked Cod with Tomatoes and Olives
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- cod fillets
- tomatoes
- olives
- garlic
- red onion
- oregano
- red pepper flakes
- lemon
- olive oil
- Optional: fresh parsley
- Optional: lemon wedges
📝 Ingredient Notes
- cod fillets: Make sure they're even thickness for even cooking.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Good quality olive oil — Enhances the Mediterranean flavor → See on Amazon
- Cast iron skillet — Even heat distribution for perfect searing → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Mediterranean Baked Cod with Tomatoes and Olives
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2: Season cod fillets with salt, pepper, and oregano. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear fillets for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden.
- Step 3: Remove skillet from heat. Add sliced tomatoes, olives, minced garlic, and sliced red onion. Stir to combine.
- Step 4: Place the skillet in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 5: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Mediterranean Baked Cod with Tomatoes and Olives
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the cod. It can become dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for 145°F (63°C) internal temperature.
- Substitution tip: You can substitute cod with halibut or mahi-mahi for a similar result.
- Make-ahead tip: You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but wait to bake until ready to serve.
Storing & Reheating Easy Mediterranean Baked Cod with Tomatoes and Olives
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but wait to bake until ready to serve.
Freezing Easy Mediterranean Baked Cod with Tomatoes and Olives
Freeze cooked cod for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, covered.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Searing the cod first helps to lock in moisture and flavor.
- Best substitution: You can substitute cod with halibut or mahi-mahi for a similar result.
- Make-ahead: You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but wait to bake until ready to serve.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too acidic, add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
Want to level up this recipe?
Meat thermometer — Ensures perfectly cooked, moist cod every time → Check price on Amazon
Easy Mediterranean Baked Cod with Tomatoes and Olives
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- cod fillets
- tomatoes
- olives
- garlic
- red onion
Seasonings
- oregano
- red pepper flakes
- lemon
- olive oil
Optional Toppings
- fresh parsley
- lemon wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2: Season cod fillets with salt, pepper, and oregano. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear fillets for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden.
- Step 3: Remove skillet from heat. Add sliced tomatoes, olives, minced garlic, and sliced red onion. Stir to combine.
- Step 4: Place the skillet in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 5: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Chef tip: Searing the cod first helps to lock in moisture and flavor.
- Best substitution: You can substitute cod with halibut or mahi-mahi for a similar result.
- Make-ahead: You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but wait to bake until ready to serve.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too acidic, add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked cod for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, covered.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but wait to bake until ready to serve.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 27g
- Fat: 11g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sat. Fat: 1.5g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Mediterranean Baked Cod with Tomatoes and Olives FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but wait to bake until ready to serve.
Overcooking is the most common reason for dry cod. Use a meat thermometer to check for 145°F (63°C) internal temperature.
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. It may take a few minutes longer to cook.
Yes, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
This dish pairs well with crusty bread, quinoa, or a side salad.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Mediterranean Baked Cod with Tomatoes and Olives and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
