Chef Jake Thompson - Comfort Food Specialist
👨‍🍳 Comfort Food Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 Culinary Arts Graduate ⏰ 18+ Years Experience 🍽️ BBQ & Grill Master

❤️ My Recipe Story

"This recipe was inspired by a coastal trip to Greece where I learned that the key to perfect Mediterranean fish is simplicity - letting quality ingredients like fresh herbs, good olive oil, and ripe tomatoes shine alongside perfectly cooked fish."

Jake specializes in elevated comfort food that brings bold flavors to classic dishes. He's spent years perfecting techniques that maximize flavor while maintaining the hearty, satisfying nature of traditional American cuisine.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Flaky white cod fillets topped with colorful cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and fresh herbs in a Mediterranean-style baking dish

The Art of Mediterranean Simplicity

Mediterranean cooking celebrates the natural flavors of high-quality ingredients with minimal manipulation. This cod dish exemplifies that philosophy, using the bright acidity of tomatoes and lemon to complement the mild, flaky fish while herbs and olives add complexity.

The key to perfect baked cod is gentle cooking at the right temperature. Too high heat will make the fish tough and dry, while too low won't develop the lovely caramelization on the vegetables that makes this dish so appealing.

💡 Professional Tip

Pat the cod completely dry before seasoning to ensure proper browning and prevent the dish from becoming watery. Room temperature fish cooks more evenly than cold fish straight from the refrigerator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but thaw completely and pat very dry. Frozen fish releases more moisture during cooking, so you may need to extend baking time by 3-5 minutes.

Skip the olives and add extra cherry tomatoes, or substitute with capers for a similar briny flavor. Sun-dried tomatoes also work well as a replacement.

Halibut, haddock, or sea bass work excellently. Adjust cooking time based on thickness - thicker fillets need 2-3 extra minutes.

The fish should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). It should be opaque throughout with no translucent areas.

Simply omit the feta cheese or substitute with dairy-free feta alternatives. The dish is still delicious and authentic without cheese.

Rice pilaf, roasted potatoes, quinoa, or crusty bread work wonderfully. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the flavors perfectly.

You can prepare the tomato mixture up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add to the fish just before baking for best results.

Refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes, or enjoy cold in a salad. Don't microwave as it will overcook the fish.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Dry Fish

Problem: Cod turns out dry and overcooked

Solution: Reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes, check oven temperature accuracy, and ensure fish isn't overcooked - it continues cooking from residual heat.

✅

Watery Dish

Problem: Too much liquid accumulates in the baking dish

Solution: Pat fish completely dry, drain tomatoes if very juicy, and use less olive oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

✅

Bland Flavor

Problem: Fish lacks flavor despite following recipe

Prevention: Season fish 15 minutes before cooking, use more lemon juice, increase herbs, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.

✅

Vegetables Not Caramelized

Problem: Tomatoes and onions don't develop golden color

Recovery: Increase oven temperature to 450°F for last 5 minutes, spread vegetables in single layer, or broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.

✅

Uneven Cooking

Problem: Some parts of fish cook faster than others

Prevention: Use fillets of similar thickness, fold thin tail ends under, or cut very thick fillets in half for more even cooking.

✅

Flavor Balance Issues

Too Sweet: Add more lemon juice, white wine vinegar, or increase olives for saltiness

Too Salty: Balance with extra fresh herbs, a drizzle of honey, or serve with plain rice

Bland: Increase garlic, add lemon zest, or finish with a drizzle of good olive oil and fresh herbs

Fresh cod fillets, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, herbs, olive oil, and Mediterranean ingredients arranged on a wooden cutting board

Selecting Quality Mediterranean Ingredients

The success of this dish depends entirely on ingredient quality. Choose thick, firm cod fillets that smell fresh and ocean-like, never fishy. The flesh should be translucent white with no browning or drying at the edges.

Ripe cherry tomatoes provide the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Look for tomatoes that give slightly to pressure but aren't mushy. High-quality extra virgin olive oil makes a noticeable difference in the final flavor of this simple preparation.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Cod Selection: Choose thick, center-cut fillets for even cooking. Avoid thin tail pieces that cook too quickly. Fresh is best, but high-quality frozen works well when properly thawed.
  • Olive Quality: Kalamata olives provide the authentic Mediterranean flavor, but Castelvetrano or mixed Mediterranean olives work too. Avoid canned black olives as they lack flavor depth.
  • Herb Freshness: Fresh herbs make a significant difference in the final dish. If using dried herbs, use about 1/3 the amount and add them earlier in the cooking process.
Mediterranean baked cod in the oven with golden cherry tomatoes and herbs, showing the perfect level of doneness and caramelization

Mastering the Mediterranean Technique

The Mediterranean approach to fish cookery emphasizes gentle heat and complementary flavors rather than masking the natural taste of the seafood. The vegetables cook alongside the fish, creating a harmonious dish where each element enhances the others.

Timing is crucial for this dish - the vegetables need enough time to soften and caramelize while the fish cooks to perfect flakiness. Starting with a hot oven ensures the vegetables begin cooking immediately when the dish goes in.

Perfect Fish Texture

The fish is done when it flakes easily but still looks moist. It will continue cooking from residual heat, so remove it just before it looks completely opaque throughout.

Mediterranean Baked Cod

Prep 15 min
Cook 18 min
Serves 4 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 60ml extra virgin olive oil
    Use high-quality oil for best flavor
  • 30ml fresh lemon juice
    Brightens and balances the dish
  • 15ml white wine vinegar
    Adds subtle acidity
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
    Classic Mediterranean herb
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
    Adds earthy complexity
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
    Provides subtle smokiness

Mediterranean Seasonings

  • 680g cod fillets, skin removed
    Choose thick, fresh fillets for best results
  • 400g cherry tomatoes, halved
    Ripe tomatoes provide sweetness and acidity
  • 120g Kalamata olives, halved
    Authentic Mediterranean flavor
  • 1 medium red onion, sliced
    Adds sweetness when roasted
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    Essential aromatic base
  • 60g crumbled feta cheese
    Adds creamy saltiness
  • Fresh parsley and dill
    Bright, fresh finishing herbs

Instructions

  1. Prepare Oven and Pan

    Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly oil a 9x13 inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.

  2. Season the Cod

    Pat cod fillets dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and half the oregano. Arrange in prepared baking dish.

  3. Prepare Mediterranean Topping

    In a bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, remaining oregano, thyme, and paprika. Mix well.

  4. Assemble and Bake

    Spoon the tomato mixture over and around the cod fillets. Bake for 15-18 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

  5. Finish and Serve

    Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with crumbled feta, fresh parsley, and dill. Serve with lemon wedges and enjoy while hot.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be served cold as a salad over greens or with crusty bread.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with rice pilaf, quinoa, roasted potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices. A simple Greek salad makes an excellent side dish.

Variations

Try adding artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or capers. You can also substitute halibut or sea bass for the cod, adjusting cooking time as needed for thickness.