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Baked Cod with Olives

baked cod with olives - featured image

A quick, light, and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired baked cod dish featuring tender cod fillets topped with a savory olive and herb mixture. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners that feel fresh and healthy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) cod fillets, fresh or thawed
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) mixed Kalamata and green olives, pitted and roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon capers (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped Kalamata and green olives, minced garlic, chopped parsley and thyme, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and if using, capers and halved cherry tomatoes. Stir gently to combine.
  3. Lightly pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels, then season both sides with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  4. Place the cod fillets skin-side down in a medium-sized baking dish.
  5. Spread the olive mixture evenly on top of each fillet, ensuring some garlic and herbs get nestled into the crevices.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, depending on fillet thickness, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque but moist.
  7. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for a slight crisp on top, watching closely to prevent burning.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs and a lemon wedge.

Notes

Pat the fish dry before seasoning to avoid steaming and ensure better texture. Use fresh herbs for best flavor. Avoid overcooking to keep the cod moist. Optionally broil for a crisp top. Leftovers reheat best in a low oven to prevent dryness. You can swap herbs or olive types to customize flavor. Pan-searing is an alternative cooking method but yields a different texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked cod, olives, Mediterranean, quick dinner, healthy fish recipe, light dinner, easy weeknight meal