Pan-Roasted Mediterranean Cod with Preserved Lemon and Olives

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

A bright, savory cod dish pan-roasted with preserved lemon, kalamata olives, and fresh herbs, capturing the essence of Mediterranean coastal flavors. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (mediterranean) ready in about 22 minutes pairs 6 oz each cod fillets, extra virgin olive oil, preserved lemon, finely chopped 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: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 cod fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add the cod fillets skin-side down and cook undisturbed for 4 minutes until the edges are golden and the skin is crisp.
  4. Step 4: Flip the fillets carefully and add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp finely chopped preserved lemon, and 1/3 cup halved kalamata olives around the fish. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1/4 cup dry white wine and sprinkle 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves over the fish. Cook for another 3 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Roasted Mediterranean Cod with Preserved Lemon and Olives take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Pan-Roasted Mediterranean Cod with Preserved Lemon 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 Pan-Roasted Mediterranean Cod with Preserved Lemon 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 Pan-Roasted Mediterranean Cod with Preserved Lemon 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 Pan-Roasted Mediterranean Cod with Preserved Lemon 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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