Mediterranean Baked Cod Olives is a dish that transports you straight to sun-drenched shores, where the tangy zest of olives meets the savory succulence of cod. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as the fish bakes, enveloped in a warm embrace of Mediterranean flavors. For more inspiration, check out this lunch ideas recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Mediterranean Baked Cod Olives</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What type of cod should I use for Mediterranean Baked Cod Olives?
- Can I use different types of olives?
- How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This delightful recipe not only tantalizes your taste buds but also makes for an impressive dinner party centerpiece. Picture your friends and family gathering around the table, eyes wide with anticipation as they await this culinary masterpiece. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Mediterranean Baked Cod Olives is a breeze to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free
- Bursting with vibrant flavors and colors, it’s sure to impress any guest
- This dish is incredibly versatile; serve it with rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal
- Plus, it’s healthy and satisfying without sacrificing taste!
I once made this dish for my best friend’s birthday dinner. The look on her face when she tasted it was priceless—she practically swooned!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Cod Fillets: Look for fresh, firm fillets; they should have a mild scent of the ocean.
Olives: Choose a mix of green and black olives for a burst of flavor and color.
Cherry Tomatoes: Bright red, juicy tomatoes add sweetness and acidity to balance the flavors.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves will elevate your dish with their aromatic punch.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice brightens everything up and enhances all those Mediterranean flavors.
Fresh Herbs (like parsley or basil): A handful adds freshness and fragrance; don’t skip this!
Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for drizzling; it enriches the dish beautifully.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s natural flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Mediterranean Baked Cod Olives
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your cod bakes evenly while you prepare everything else.
Prepare Your Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking. This step keeps the fish from clinging like an overly affectionate cat.
Layer Those Flavors: Arrange cherry tomatoes and olives at the bottom of your baking dish. Their vibrant colors will create a stunning visual base for your fish.
Add the Cod Fillets: Place cod fillets on top of the tomato-olive layer. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle minced garlic over them. Imagine that aroma filling your home!
Squeeze Some Lemon Juice: Generously squeeze lemon juice over everything—this adds brightness that dances on your palate like it just won a dance-off.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Your kitchen will soon smell like a Mediterranean getaway!
With these steps, you are well on your way to creating an unforgettable Mediterranean feast that pairs perfectly with crusty bread or zesty couscous. Enjoy every moment as you savor each bite!
You Must Know
- Mediterranean Baked Cod with Olives is not just a dish; it’s an experience
- The combination of flavors creates a delicious journey for your taste buds
- Plus, it’s healthy and quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare your ingredients: season the cod with salt, pepper, and olives, then layer them in a baking dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes until flaky. This sequence ensures even cooking and maximum flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out olives for capers or add cherry tomatoes for a touch of sweetness. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can enhance the flavor profile beautifully. Personalizing this recipe allows you to cater to your taste preferences.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to preserve texture and flavor. Avoid microwaving; it can make the fish rubbery.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh cod for the best flavor and texture; frozen cod may become watery during cooking
- Always pat dry the fish before seasoning to ensure better adherence of spices
- Keep olives whole until ready to use for maximum freshness and taste
There was that one dinner party where I served this Mediterranean Baked Cod with Olives, and my friends thought I had taken a culinary class! Their compliments were so uplifting that I nearly floated off the ground!
FAQ
What type of cod should I use for Mediterranean Baked Cod Olives?
Fresh Atlantic or Pacific cod works best for this recipe, providing great texture.
Can I use different types of olives?
Absolutely! Green olives add a nice tanginess while black olives offer richness.
How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?
The cod should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when fully cooked.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Mediterranean Baked Cod with Olives
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Mediterranean Baked Cod with Olives is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean right to your dinner table. This easy-to-make recipe combines succulent cod fillets with tangy olives, juicy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic garlic, all baked to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy family meal, this dish will surely impress and satisfy everyone.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 cup mixed green and black olives, pitted
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Arrange the cherry tomatoes and olives in the bottom of the dish.
- Place cod fillets on top and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle minced garlic over the fish.
- Squeeze lemon juice generously over all ingredients.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until the cod flakes easily with a fork.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cod fillet with toppings (approx. 180g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
