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Mediterranean Baked Cod with Tomatoes and Olives

This Mediterranean baked cod with tomatoes and olives is a flavorful, healthy, and easy one-pan meal that brings vibrant Mediterranean flavors to your table with minimal effort.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds cod fillet
  • 1 small red onion (OR large shallot, sliced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (crushed)
  • 1 pound cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt & pepper
  • 1/4 cup white wine (OR water)
  • 4 tablespoons butter (chopped)

Equipment

  • Baking dish

Method
 

Prep the Pan
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a rectangular baking dish large enough to hold all the cod and vegetables in a single layer. Arrange the cod fillets in the prepared dish.
Add the Vegetables
  1. Scatter the sliced red onion (or shallot), crushed garlic cloves, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced black olives around and amongst the cod fillets.
Season Generously
  1. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over all the ingredients in the baking dish. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and season generously with salt and pepper to your taste.
Finish and Bake
  1. Pour the white wine (or your chosen substitute) into the baking dish. Dot the chopped butter evenly over the top of the fish and vegetables. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The cod is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout, and the tomatoes have softened and released their juices.

Notes

For the best texture, opt for fresh, firm cod fillets. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry. Substitute with other firm white fish like haddock, halibut, or sea bass if cod is unavailable. Red onion and garlic form the flavor base. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, a large shallot can be used as a direct substitute. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and moisture. Black olives provide a classic briny counterpoint. Feel free to experiment with other varieties of olives, such as Kalamata, for a different flavor profile. White wine adds depth and acidity, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, unsalted water or low-sodium chicken/vegetable broth are excellent substitutes. They will provide the necessary moisture for the sauce. Olive oil is essential for its flavor and health benefits, while butter adds richness and helps meld the flavors together. Do not skip the butter; it contributes significantly to the sauce's lusciousness.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.