Name: Mediterranean Style Baked Cod Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) cherry tomatoes; 1 (14 oz / 398 ml) can or jar cooked artichoke hearts, drained and quartered; 1 yellow or orange bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and sliced; 1 shallot, peeled and quartered; 1-2 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped; ½ cup black olives; ¼ cup capers; 3 tablespoons olive oil; Kosher salt and black pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon oregano or Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon chili flakes; 4 cod fillets (½ lb / 220 g each) – cod, halibut, or hake; Chopped fresh parsley; Freshly squeezed lemon juice; Ground sumac; Gremolata sauce; 2 cloves garlic; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional); 4 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; ¼ teaspoon chili flakes; 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 68 reviews

If you’re craving something vibrant, wholesome, and bursting with sunshine flavors, this Mediterranean Style Baked Cod Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. It masterfully blends tender, flaky cod with a colorful mosaic of cherry tomatoes, artichokes, bell peppers, and olives, all infused with aromatic herbs and a kick of chili flakes. This dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a celebration of fresh, healthy Mediterranean ingredients that come together effortlessly for an unforgettable meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four white fish fillets placed on crumpled white parchment paper at the center on a white marbled surface. Around the fish, there is a white bowl with chopped artichoke hearts on the left, a whole shallot and a clove of garlic above the fish, two small white dishes with dried herbs and red chili flakes above the fish, and a yellow bell pepper on the upper right. To the right of the fish, a white bowl holds golden olive oil, and below it, a white bowl contains black olives. At the bottom right, a clear glass bowl is filled with halved cherry tomatoes, and at the bottom left, small dishes contain capers and salt with pepper. The whole setup is styled on a white marbled background, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Mediterranean Style Baked Cod Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in layering flavors, textures, and colors to make the dish sing. From the briny pop of olives and capers to the subtle sweetness of roasted bell peppers, every component adds its own magic.

1 lb (450 g) cherry tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, these burst in your mouth and create a vibrant base for the fish.
One 14 oz (398 ml) can or jar of cooked artichoke hearts, drained and quartered: Adds a tender, slightly tangy bite that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
1 yellow or orange bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and sliced: Provides a crisp, colorful crunch and mild sweetness.
1 shallot, peeled and quartered: Its delicate onion flavor deepens the overall taste without overpowering.
1-2 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped: Essential for that savory, aromatic foundation.
½ cup of black olives: Brings salty richness and a pleasing chewy texture.
¼ cup of capers: Adds tangy bursts that elevate the Mediterranean character.
3 tablespoons olive oil: The heart of Mediterranean cooking—providing smooth richness and helping meld all flavors.
Kosher Salt and Black pepper to taste: To season perfectly and highlight the natural ingredients.
1 teaspoon oregano or Italian seasoning: Infuses herbal warmth and earthiness.
½ teaspoon chili flakes: Offers just the right amount of subtle heat for balance.
4 (½-lb / 220g) cod, halibut or hake fillets or cod loins: The star protein—firm, flaky, and mild.

For serving, you’ll want chopped fresh parsley, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and ground sumac to sprinkle over the finished dish, bringing freshness and a hint of tartness that compliments the fish beautifully.

How to Make Mediterranean Style Baked Cod Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Mediterranean Veggie Medley

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, sliced bell pepper, shallot, garlic, black olives, and capers. Drizzle with olive oil, add kosher salt, black pepper, oregano, and chili flakes. Toss everything gently to coat the veggies in a flavorful, aromatic oil blend that will roast and intensify in the oven. This veggie medley sets the stage for the cod’s gentle baking and ensures your baked cod is infused deeply with Mediterranean charm.

Step 2: Arrange and Season the Cod

Place your cod fillets in a shallow baking dish large enough to hold the fish and vegetables comfortably. Season the cod generously with salt, pepper, and a light sprinkle of oregano or Italian seasoning. Nestle the vegetable mixture around and slightly over the fish, creating a colorful, juicy bed of flavors. Make sure the fillets are well surrounded to soak up all those savory, tangy juices.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The fish should turn opaque and flake easily with a fork while the vegetables become tender and slightly caramelized. This baking method brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and bell peppers, mingling perfectly with the brininess of the olives and capers.

Step 4: Prepare the Gremolata Sauce

While the cod bakes, whip up the gremolata sauce to brighten up the dish. In a small bowl, combine finely minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, optional lemon zest, olive oil, salt, pepper, chili flakes, and chopped parsley. This zesty, herb-packed sauce will add fresh, vibrant notes that contrast the warm baked flavors beautifully.

Step 5: Final Touches

Once your Mediterranean Style Baked Cod Recipe is done baking, remove from the oven and drizzle the gremolata sauce generously over each fillet. Finish with a fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, and dust a pinch of ground sumac for a gently tart accent. Your stunning Mediterranean feast is ready to dazzle!

How to Serve Mediterranean Style Baked Cod Recipe

The image shows a white enamel tray with black trim in four steps of preparation. The first step shows a layer of bright yellow sliced bell peppers, black olives, halved red cherry tomatoes, pale artichoke hearts, thin slices of shallots, sprinkled with green herbs and small green capers. The second step shows all the ingredients mixed together in the tray, with the colors blending into a fresh colorful mix of yellow, black, red, cream, and light purple. The third step shows four white fish fillets on crumpled white parchment paper, glistening with oil and lightly seasoned with salt and pepper. The last step shows the fish fillets placed on top of the vegetable mix in the tray, with all layers visible, creating a bright and colorful dish with pale fish on top of the vibrant vegetables. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple but impactful garnishes elevate this dish effortlessly. Use freshly chopped parsley to add a bright herbal note and a splash of color that makes the meal pop. A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving brightens the flavors, cutting through the richness and lifting the whole plate. Ground sumac adds an exotic, slightly tangy finish that complements the cod and veggies perfectly.

Side Dishes

To keep things authentic and fresh, serve your Mediterranean Style Baked Cod Recipe with light sides that embrace the region’s flavors. Fluffy couscous, warm crusty bread, or a bed of lemon-herb quinoa works beautifully for soaking up the delicious juices. A crisp green salad or roasted root vegetables can bring additional texture contrasts and balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, serve the cod and vegetables family-style on a large platter, letting guests help themselves to the colorful bounty. Garnish with lemon wedges, extra gremolata, and perhaps some olives and capers scattered around for that extra Mediterranean vibe. This approach creates a warm, inviting meal perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mediterranean Style Baked Cod Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors meld wonderfully overnight, making it an ideal next-day lunch or dinner option. Just be sure to store both the fish and vegetable mix together to maintain that perfect harmony of tastes.

Freezing

While fresh is best, you can freeze the cooked cod and vegetables separately in airtight freezer-safe containers for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. The texture of the vegetables may soften slightly, but the intoxicating Mediterranean flavors remain intact and satisfying.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a low-temperature oven (around 300°F or 150°C) covered with foil to retain moisture, or warm carefully in the microwave to avoid drying out the delicate cod fillets. Add a fresh drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of gremolata afterward to rejuvenate the dish’s bright flavors.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish for this Mediterranean Style Baked Cod Recipe?

Absolutely! While cod is ideal because of its firm, flaky texture, you can substitute with halibut, hake, or even sea bass. Just be mindful of cooking times based on the thickness and delicacy of your fish choice.

What if I don’t have capers or olives on hand?

If you lack capers or olives, you can still achieve a delicious result. Substitute with finely chopped pickled cucumbers or artichokes for that acidic-salty pop, or simply increase lemon zest and seasoning to enhance flavor complexity.

Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes! The Mediterranean Style Baked Cod Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it relies on fresh whole ingredients without breading or flour additions. Just be cautious if serving with sides and choose gluten-free options accordingly.

How spicy is this dish with the chili flakes?

The dish has a gentle warmth from the chili flakes, not overpowering heat. You can always adjust the quantity to suit your spice preference, leaving them out entirely if you prefer no heat at all.

Can I prepare the veggie mixture ahead of time?

You can toss the vegetable mixture in olive oil and spices a few hours in advance, keeping it refrigerated until ready to bake. However, it’s best to add the fresh fish just before baking to maintain optimal texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re eager to bring the vibrant, sun-soaked flavors of the Mediterranean into your kitchen, this Mediterranean Style Baked Cod Recipe is a must-try. It’s approachable, nourishing, and packed with colors and textures that make every bite a celebration. Gather your ingredients, prep your fish and veggies, and let this recipe transport you to the coastlines of the Mediterranean in the most delicious way.