Mediterranean Baked Cod Recipe

If you’re craving a meal that transports you straight to the seaside cafés of the Mediterranean, you need Mediterranean Baked Cod in your life. This dish is the ultimate weeknight marvel: delicate, flaky cod fillets nestled in a bubbling bed of jammy cherry tomatoes, sweet fennel, and aromatic basil. Every bite is bright and bold, yet light and healthy—a glorious one-pan dinner bursting with color and flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the essentials that make Mediterranean Baked Cod shine. Each ingredient has its moment in the spotlight, from juicy tomatoes that create their own savory sauce to fragrant fennel and the rich, peppery notes of good olive oil. Together, they create a fresh, vibrant meal you’ll turn to again and again.

• Cherry Tomatoes: These bring a sweet, acidic punch and become wonderfully jammy after roasting.
• Fennel Bulb: Adds a subtle anise-like flavor; if fennel isn’t your favorite, shallot or onion make easy substitutes.
• Garlic Cloves: Sliced thin, they infuse the whole pan with earthy aroma and mellow sweetness.
• Capers: A briny pop that brightens every bite—don’t skip them if you love bold flavors.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Divided between roasting and brushing the fish, this is where a high-quality oil really shines.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Just enough tang to balance the sweetness of tomatoes and honey.
• Honey: One teaspoon brings out the tomatoes’ sweetness and rounds out the acidity.
• Kosher Salt: Used in two stages to season both the delicious veggie base and the cod itself.
• Red Chili Flakes (optional): For a subtle heat, sprinkle in a pinch, or leave them out for a milder take.
• Cod Fillets: The star protein; flaky, mild, and perfect for soaking up all those Mediterranean flavors.
• Black Pepper: For a gentle kick that enhances everything else in the dish.
• Lemon Slices: Thinly sliced for topping the fish—these add acidity, aroma, and a burst of freshness.
• Fresh Basil: Chopped and used as the finishing flourish, basil adds a sweet, peppery essence that lifts the whole meal.

How to Make Mediterranean Baked Cod

Step 1: Prep the Veggies and Aromatics

Preheat your oven to 400ºF. Start by removing the stalks and root end from your fennel bulb, then slice it into quarters and cut out the tough core. Slice each quarter as thin as you can—this lets the fennel melt beautifully into the tomato mixture. Halve your cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the garlic, and you’re off to a great start.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Grab a 4-quart baking dish and toss in the cherry tomatoes, sliced fennel, garlic, and briny capers. Pour in 3 tablespoons of olive oil, add the red wine vinegar, honey, half the kosher salt, and a sprinkle of chili flakes if you like a little heat. Mix it all up until everything is gleaming and well combined—this will become a gorgeously saucy bed beneath the fish.

Step 3: Roast the Vegetables

Slide your packed baking dish right into the oven, uncovered. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring once, until the tomatoes have gently burst and everything looks glossy and jammy. The aroma is irresistible, hinting at the Mediterranean Baked Cod deliciousness to come.

Step 4: Prepare the Cod

While your tomato base is roasting, pat the cod dry with paper towels—this helps the fish cook beautifully. Brush the fillets all over with the remaining olive oil and sprinkle with the rest of the kosher salt plus freshly ground black pepper. This simple prep allows the natural sweetness and texture of cod to shine through.

Step 5: Bake the Cod with the Tomato Mixture

Give the tomatoes and fennel a gentle toss, then nestle the cod fillets right into the mixture, spacing them out evenly. Place a thin lemon slice atop each fillet, and return everything to the oven. Roast for 10 to 15 minutes more, just until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Don’t overbake—the fish should stay moist and tender.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Once out of the oven, crown your Mediterranean Baked Cod with a generous sprinkle of fresh basil. When serving, be sure to spoon plenty of those luscious tomatoes and aromatic veggies over the fish. You’ll want every bite loaded with that Mediterranean goodness!

How to Serve Mediterranean Baked Cod

Garnishes

Garnishes can be magical here. A shower of fresh basil is a must, but you could also scatter extra lemon zest or a spoonful of briny capers on top for added zing. A final drizzle of good olive oil just before serving will make the cod glisten and punctuate the Mediterranean vibes.

Side Dishes

While your Mediterranean Baked Cod is definitely the star, it loves a sidekick. Serve it with fluffy couscous, nutty farro, or simple steamed rice to soak up that saucy goodness. Roasted potatoes or a crisp green salad with cucumbers, olives, and feta make wonderful partners, too.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this dish into a showstopper for guests by plating it family-style in a beautiful baking dish, or serve individual fillets atop toasted sourdough for a rustic twist. For a light lunch, flake leftover cod over salad greens and drizzle with extra lemon and olive oil for a Mediterranean Baked Cod salad bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Mediterranean Baked Cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers incredibly delicious the next day, especially when you spoon extra tomato and fennel sauce over the fish.

Freezing

Fish is always best fresh, and Mediterranean Baked Cod is no exception. While you can freeze it if needed, the texture of the cod may change when thawed. If you do freeze, wrap fillets tightly and store for up to one month. Thaw gently in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For the juiciest results, reheat Mediterranean Baked Cod in a covered baking dish at 350ºF until just warmed through—usually about 10 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions on low, but add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to revive the flavors. Avoid high temperatures to prevent the fish from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fish in this Mediterranean Baked Cod recipe?

Absolutely! If cod isn’t available, halibut or sea bass are fantastic substitutes and will soak up the Mediterranean flavors just as beautifully. Even salmon works in a pinch, though the result will be richer and slightly different in texture.

What if I don’t like fennel? Can I swap it out?

Definitely. If fennel’s not your thing, try thinly sliced shallot or yellow onion instead. They’ll give a similar sweetness and aroma without the anise notes of fennel, keeping your Mediterranean Baked Cod vibrant and delicious.

Is this dish spicy?

Mediterranean Baked Cod is only as spicy as you want it to be. The pinch of red chili flakes is completely optional, so adjust or omit them to suit your taste. Without, the dish is mild and family-friendly.

Can I prepare the veggie base in advance?

You can! Assemble the tomato, fennel, garlic, and seasoning mix up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it, covered, in your baking dish. When ready to cook, just give everything a quick stir and proceed with baking as usual for a time-saving jumpstart.

How do I know when the cod is done?

You’ll know Mediterranean Baked Cod is ready when the fillets turn opaque and flake easily with a fork. Cooking times can vary depending on thickness, but 10 to 15 minutes is usually perfect. Don’t overbake—the fish should stay moist and tender.

Final Thoughts

Mediterranean Baked Cod is a joy to make and a true treat to eat, guaranteed to turn any dinner into a celebration of fresh, bold flavors. Gather your loved ones, give it a try, and enjoy a beautiful taste of the Mediterranean right at home!

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