Mediterranean Baked Cod with Roasted Tomatoes & Olives

🕒 Time

• Prep: 20 minutes

• Cook: 20–25 minutes

• Total: ~45 minutes

🍽 Serves

4

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Fish

• 4 cod fillets (6–8 oz each), skinless

• Salt, to taste

• Freshly ground black pepper

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Roasted Tomatoes & Olives

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes (mixed red & yellow if possible)

• ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)

• 1 tbsp fresh oregano (or 1 tsp dried)

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for sweetness depth)

For the Herb Garlic Oil Finish

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 1 small clove garlic, grated

• Zest of ½ lemon

• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the Oven

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Lightly oil a baking dish or line with parchment.

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2️⃣ Roast the Tomatoes & Olives

1. In a bowl, combine:

   • Cherry tomatoes

   • Kalamata olives

   • Olive oil

   • Garlic

   • Thyme & oregano

   • Pinch of salt and pepper

2. Spread onto baking dish.

3. Roast for 10–12 minutes, until tomatoes begin to blister and soften.

👉 This step intensifies sweetness and creates the flavorful oil you see in the image.

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3️⃣ Prepare the Cod

• Pat cod fillets dry (very important for texture).

• Season both sides with:

  • Salt

  • Black pepper

  • Smoked paprika

  • Dried oregano

  • Red pepper flakes

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4️⃣ Bake the Fish

1. Remove tomatoes from oven.

2. Nestle cod fillets into the roasted tomato mixture.

3. Spoon some of the oil and tomatoes over each fillet.

4. Return to oven and bake 10–15 minutes, depending on thickness.

✅ Cod is done when:

• Internal temp reaches 135–140°F (57–60°C)

• Flesh flakes easily with a fork

• It looks opaque and moist

Do not overcook — cod dries quickly.

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5️⃣ Make the Herb Garlic Oil

While fish bakes:

Mix together:

• Olive oil

• Parsley

• Grated garlic

• Lemon zest

• Lemon juice

Let sit 5–10 minutes to infuse.

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6️⃣ Finish & Serve

• Spoon extra roasted tomatoes and olives over fish.

• Drizzle generously with herb garlic oil.

• Optional: sprinkle additional fresh parsley and cracked black pepper.

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🍋 Flavor Profile

• Bright and lemony

• Rich olive oil base

• Sweet roasted tomatoes

• Briny olives

• Fresh herb finish

• Mild, flaky cod

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🍽 Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Warm crusty bread (to soak up oil)

• Garlic couscous

• Lemon rice

• Creamy mashed potatoes

• Simple arugula salad

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🔥 Chef Tips

• Best fish substitutes: Halibut, sea bass, haddock, or even salmon.

• Add capers for extra Mediterranean flavor.

• Add a splash of white wine before baking for depth.

• For extra caramelization, broil last 2 minutes.