Lemon-Garlic Mediterranean Baked Cod with Tomatoes and Olives

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A light and flavorful baked cod dish featuring flaky white fish braised in a lemon-garlic tomato sauce with briny olives and fresh herbs. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (mediterranean) ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) cod fillets, halved cherry tomatoes, pitted and halved kalamata olives 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.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large ovenproof skillet, heat 3 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup halved kalamata olives, 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup dry white wine, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir and cook for 5 minutes until tomatoes soften and sauce slightly thickens.
  3. Step 3: Nestle 4 cod fillets (6 oz each) into the tomato mixture. Spoon some sauce over the top. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Step 4: Remove from oven and sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving with crusty bread or steamed vegetables.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic Mediterranean Baked Cod with Tomatoes and Olives take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Lemon-Garlic Mediterranean Baked Cod with Tomatoes and Olives?

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 Lemon-Garlic Mediterranean Baked Cod with Tomatoes and 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 Lemon-Garlic Mediterranean Baked Cod with Tomatoes and 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 Lemon-Garlic Mediterranean Baked Cod with Tomatoes and Olives?

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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