Baked Mediterranean Cod with Roasted Tomatoes
Updated Aug 06, 2025, Published Jul 01, 2024
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This Mediterranean Cod Recipe bakes in the oven with roasted tomatoes, flavorful olives, and simple seasonings. Each bite of tender, flaky cod simply bursts with flavor. This cod with tomatoes dish is ready in just 30 minutes and cooked in one pan for few dishes after dinner. This is a satisfying and healthy meal that will leave you craving more.
Try it with a side of warm fregola salad or your favorite cod side dishes!
Why you’ll love this recipe!
This easy baked Mediterranean cod recipe brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your table in a simple, satisfying dish.
Tender, mild white fish is baked with juicy tomatoes, rich olive oil, and fresh herbs for a perfect balance of earthy and bright flavors. Not only is it a delicious flavor experience, but cod is also a lean protein packed with essential nutrients, making this a wholesome and healthy choice for any meal.
With its vibrant colors and inviting aroma, it’s an impressive dish that’s just as suited for casual weeknight dinners as it is for special gatherings. Best of all, everything bakes in a single dish for quick cleanup—ideal for anyone who loves flavor without the fuss.
For the best cod recipes, you need to explore my baked cod, blackened cod, cod in parchment, and panko-crusted cod recipes next!
Made With Amoré,
Table of Contents
Simple Ingredients
This Mediterranean cod recipe has plenty of fresh and flavorful flavors.
- Cod Fillet: Delicate and flaky, cod loin is a mild-flavored white fish that takes on the savory Mediterranean flavors.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Bursting with sweetness and vibrant color, cherry tomatoes contribute a juicy and jammy texture. This dish will also work with Roma or heirloom tomatoes.
- Olives: I love the combination of kalamata olives and green castelvetrano olives for the briny and salty kick they contribute adding depth to the dish. If you have extra green castelvetrano olives, use them to make these salami cups as an appetizer! Substitute with other briny olives like black or green olives if these aren’t available.
- Capers: For those who enjoy an extra burst of tangy and slightly pickled flavor. I love the addition of salty capers but they’re optional.
- Lemon zest: Adds fresh flavor without the acidity of lemon juice. Use a microplane for a fine zest and make sure you don’t scrape the white pith which will add a bitter flavor.
- White Wine: White wine adds a layer of complexity bringing acidity and flavor. It also gives the dish some much needed moisture. You can substitute with water if you don’t have the wine or don’t want to use it.
- Fresh Herbs: Chopped basil leaves and fresh parsley provide a fresh and aromatic finish, elevating the dish’s brightness.
See the recipe card the list and quantities.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use a Different Fish: Other white fish varieties like halibut, haddock, or sea bass work well in this dish.
- Canned tomatoes: Use canned diced tomatoes if fresh ones aren’t available.
- Vegetable Medley: Expand the vegetable mix by including colorful bell peppers, zucchini, or artichoke hearts for added texture and flavor.
- Feta Crust: Before baking, crumble feta cheese over the cod fillets for a creamy, tangy layer that beautifully complements the flavors, like in this Mediterranean lasanga recipe.
- Greek Yogurt Drizzle: Create a simple Greek yogurt sauce with a splash of lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped mint or dill.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped almonds, pine nuts, or pistachios over the dish before serving for a delightful nutty crunch. Try homemade basil pesto!
How to Make Mediterranean Cod
With simple steps and minimal prep work, this Mediterranean cod recipe is hassle-free and perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. See the recipe card for a printable recipe. To get started, grab your baking dish, all the ingredients, and preheat your oven to 400ºF.
- Combine the tomatoes, red onion, garlic, capers, olive oil, wine or water, lemon zest, salt, and a pinch of red pepper flakes in your baking dish. Stir to combine. Then bake the tomato mixture uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes or until the tomatoes are soft and jammy.
- While the tomato mixture bakes, prep the cod fillet. Pat them dry with paper towels and then brush the fillets with olive oil.
- Season the fish with the remaining salt and black pepper.
- Take the tomato mixture out of the oven and toss.
- Nestle the seasoned cod fillets into the pan, evenly spaced apart. Top with a slice of lemon if desired. Then, return to the oven to cook until the fish easily flakes with a fork, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- When ready, remove the baking dish from the oven and spoon some of the sauce over the fish. Garnish the dish with fresh basil and chopped parsley. Serve with fresh lemon slices on the side.
Serve this Mediterranean cod with cherry tomatoes over your choice of grains, like this Parmesan rice, couscous, or with a side of crusty bread and arugula salad in Parmesan cups. Enjoy the burst of Mediterranean flavors in this delightful and easy-to-make cod dish!
My Pro Tips
Recipe Tips
- Select Fresh Ingredients: Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially regarding the fish if there is a fishy smell that is NOT fresh fish. Fresh cod fillets and ripe cherry tomatoes will enhance the dish’s overall flavor.
- Pat the Fish Dry: Before brushing the cod with olive oil and seasoning, pat the fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the oil seasonings adhere better, ensuring a flavorful and crispy exterior.
- Evenly Coat Ingredients: Ensure an even distribution of the tomato mixture and seasonings over the fish. This ensures each bite is packed with a balanced blend of flavors.
- Use a Quality Olive Oil: Choose a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for brushing the fish and mixing it with the tomato mixture. It adds richness and enhances the Mediterranean flavor profile.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the baking time, especially for the fish. Overcooking can lead to dryness, so aim for the recommended time until the fish is just cooked through and flakes easily.
Mediterranean Cod Recipe FAQ
The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork. To check, place the fork in the fish and twist slightly. If the fish easily flakes and looks opaque (not translucent) then it’s ready. If there is any resistance or it still looks uncooked, continue to cook for a few minutes, and then check again. You can also use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the fish. It should reach at least 145°F (63°C). It’s important to cook it fully but do not to overcook the fish to maintain its tenderness.
Yes, you can use frozen cod for this recipe. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Then be sure to drain any liquid and pat it dry before proceeding with the recipe as directed.
Sure, it’s already a quick dish but you can do a few things to get ahead a bit. You can prep ahead the tomato mixture and have it all ready to pop in the oven. I wouldn’t recommend making the dish ahead of time and then reheating. While leftovers will reheat with good results, this dish is definitely best freshly made.
Once the dish is cooled, store it in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. Consume the leftovers within 2-3 days for optimal freshness. You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F for 8-12 minutes, or in the microwave, on medium heat in 1-2 minute intervals. Just be sure to avoid overcooking it during reheating.
Sure! Store it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to one month. Allow it to fully thaw in the refrigerator and then reheat it.
Serving Suggestions
This easy fish in tomato sauce is easy enough for weeknights but fancy enough to serve to guests or for special occasions.
I love to pair this Mediterranean cod with tomatoes recipe with simple sides like spaghetti aglio e olio or crispy rice salad. It also pairs well with a vegetable soup like this creamy roasted cauliflower soup, or this Italian chopped salad.
For dessert, enjoy a slice of Italian almond cake!
More Best Fish Recipes
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Best Baked Mediterranean Cod Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds cod fillet, approximately 4-5 fillets
- ½ medium red onion , or one large shallot, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup Kalamata olives
- ½ cup green Castelvetrano olives, more if desired
- 1 tablespoon capers, optional
- 5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup white wine , or water
- Fresh basil, chopped for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Optional: lemon slices- one slice per fillet
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400ºF.
- Prepare Tomato Mixture: In a large baking dish, combine the sliced tomatoes, red onion (or shallot), garlic, olives, capers (if using), 3 tablespoons of olive oil, wine or water, lemon zest, ½ teaspoon salt, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir the mixture well.
- Bake the tomato mixture uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes or until the tomatoes are soft and jammy.
- Prepare Cod Fillets: while the tomato mixture is baking, pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Brush the fillets with the remaining olive oil. Season the fish with the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt and black pepper.
- Take the tomato mixture out of the oven and toss. Then, nestle the seasoned cod fillets into the pan, evenly spaced apart. Roast in the oven until the fish is cooked and easily flakes with a fork, about 10 to 15 minutes. Optional: add one slice of lemon on top of each cod fillet.
- Once done, remove the baking dish from the oven. Spoon some of the sauce over the fish. Garnish the dish with fresh basil and chopped parsley. If desired, add fresh lemon slices on the side.
- Serve the Mediterranean baked cod over your choice of grains, couscous, or with a side of crusty bread. Enjoy the burst of Mediterranean flavors in this delightful and easy-to-make cod dish!
Notes
- Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients: Fresh cod fillets and ripe cherry tomatoes enhance the overall flavor. Avoid fish that has a strong “fishy” smell—it’s a sign it’s not fresh.
- Pat the cod dry: Use paper towels to dry the fillets before brushing with olive oil and seasoning. This helps the oil and spices stick better and promotes a lightly crisp exterior.
- Use quality olive oil: A good extra virgin olive oil adds richness and boosts the Mediterranean flavor in both the fish and tomato mixture.
- Watch the baking time: Cod cooks quickly, so bake just until it flakes easily with a fork. Overcooking can lead to a dry texture.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I had to use water since I didnโt have white wine on hand, and this dish still turned out really wellโฆit was so good! Iโll definitely use white wine next time. My other observations – the olives are missing from step 2 and I almost forgot to add them (which wouldโve been a shame), and I think more than just a half cup of Castelvetrano olives are needed. ๐
Yes! I added them to step 2- sorry about that! Happy you loved it.
My husband and I both enjoyed this fish with a side of rice. My only two comments are that the recipe did not tell when to add the olives and next time, I would add a little more salt. I will definitely make it again!
Sounds lovely with a side of rice! I added the olives- so sorry about that!