Baked Cod with Tomato-Olive Sauce and Herb Couscous

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Flaky cod fillets baked with a vibrant tomato and olive sauce, served alongside fragrant herb-infused couscous for a light, Mediterranean-inspired dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (gluten free option) ready in about 30 minutes blends (6 oz each) cod fillets, olive oil, garlic cloves, minced 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup sliced kalamata olives, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 1/2 tsp salt. Toss well.
  2. Step 2: Arrange 4 cod fillets (6 oz each) in a baking dish and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Spoon the tomato-olive mixture evenly over the fish. Drizzle with 2 tbsp lemon juice.
  3. Step 3: Bake uncovered for 15-18 minutes until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, bring 1 1/4 cups chicken broth to a boil in a small saucepan. Stir in 1 cup couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and 1 tbsp olive oil.
  5. Step 5: Serve the baked cod topped with the tomato-olive sauce alongside the herb couscous for a balanced meal.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Cod with Tomato-Olive Sauce and Herb Couscous take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 and Herb Couscous?

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 and Herb Couscous?

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 and Herb Couscous 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 and Herb Couscous gluten free option?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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