Baked Cod with Tomato-Olive Sauce
Flaky cod fillets baked under a vibrant sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and fresh herbs for a light yet flavorful dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (gluten-free) ready in about 35 minutes blends skin-on cod fillets, olive oil, large, sliced red onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 1.5 lbs, skin-on cod fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, sliced red onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, pitted Kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup, chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place the 1.5 lbs cod fillets skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 2: Drizzle the cod with 2 tbsp olive oil and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.
- Step 3: Heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced red onion and minced garlic, cooking for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Step 4: Stir in the 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes and 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, cooking for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Add 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1/4 cup chopped parsley.
- Step 5: Spoon the tomato-olive sauce evenly over the cod fillets.
- Step 6: Bake for 15-20 minutes until cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Cod with Tomato-Olive Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Baked Cod with Tomato-Olive Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cod with Tomato-Olive Sauce?
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 Tomato-Olive Sauce 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.
Is Baked Cod with Tomato-Olive Sauce gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★★
Absolutely wonderful.