Mediterranean Baked Cod With Olives (Printable)

Tender cod baked in tomato sauce with olives, capers, and fresh herbs for a light Mediterranean meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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 It:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The tomato sauce creates its own rich braising liquid so the fish stays impossibly tender
  • Everything cooks in one pan which means less cleanup and more flavor
02 -
  • Do not overcook the fish or it will become dry and tough
  • Let the sauce rest for a few minutes after baking so the flavors settle
03 -
  • Use an ovenproof skillet to save on dishes and build flavor in one pan
  • Room temperature fish cooks more evenly so let it sit out for 15 minutes before baking

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