Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Mediterranean Olive Tapenade

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Delicate cod fillets baked with lemon and garlic, topped with a vibrant Mediterranean olive and caper tapenade for a fresh seafood dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (mediterranean) ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) cod fillets, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic cloves 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp dried oregano.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 cod fillets in a baking dish and pour half of the lemon-garlic mixture over them, turning to coat. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
  3. Step 3: In another bowl, combine 1/2 cup chopped black olives, 1/4 cup chopped green olives, 2 tbsp rinsed capers, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley to make the tapenade.
  4. Step 4: Bake the cod for 12-15 minutes until opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from oven and spoon the olive tapenade evenly over each fillet.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle remaining lemon-garlic mixture over the tapenade and serve immediately with a side of steamed vegetables or crusty bread.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Mediterranean Olive Tapenade take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Lemon-Garlic Cod with Mediterranean Olive Tapenade?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (6 oz each) cod fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Mediterranean Olive Tapenade?

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 Lemon-Garlic Cod with Mediterranean Olive Tapenade 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 Lemon-Garlic Cod with Mediterranean Olive Tapenade?

Mediterranean 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.

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