Baked Cod with Citrus-Herb EVOO Sauce and Mediterranean Olives
Delicate cod fillets baked with a bright citrus and herb-infused extra virgin olive oil sauce, topped with briny Kalamata olives for a fresh Mediterranean finish. This Greek-inspired seafood recipe (mediterranean), ready in about 28 minutes, pairs cod fillets, extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each) cod fillets
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place 4 cod fillets (6 oz each) in a lightly oiled baking dish.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano, and 2 minced garlic cloves.
- Step 3: Pour the citrus-herb EVOO sauce evenly over the cod fillets, then sprinkle with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Scatter 1/3 cup pitted and halved Kalamata olives around and on top of the fish.
- Step 5: Bake uncovered for 15-18 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
- Step 6: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving alongside steamed vegetables or a light salad.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Cod with Citrus-Herb EVOO Sauce and Mediterranean Olives take to make?
Total time is about 28 minutes (10 min prep + 18 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Baked Cod with Citrus-Herb EVOO Sauce and Mediterranean Olives?
Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cod with Citrus-Herb EVOO Sauce and Mediterranean Olives?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Cod with Citrus-Herb EVOO Sauce and Mediterranean Olives for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Cod with Citrus-Herb EVOO Sauce and Mediterranean Olives?
Greek seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
