One-Tray Baked Cod Delight (Printable)

Mediterranean cod baked alongside cherry tomatoes, olives, and herbs for a quick, vibrant meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fish

01 - 4 skinless, boneless cod fillets (approximately 5.3 oz each)

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
04 - 1 medium zucchini, sliced (optional)

→ Olives & Aromatics

05 - 2/3 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
06 - 2 cloves garlic, finely sliced
07 - 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained (optional)

→ Herbs & Seasonings

08 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
09 - 1 lemon, zested and juiced
10 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - Sea salt, to taste
13 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
14 - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

# Step-by-step Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper to facilitate cleanup.
02 - Place cherry tomatoes, red onion, zucchini (if using), olives, garlic, and capers on the tray. Drizzle with half of the olive oil and season with oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to combine.
03 - Nestle cod fillets among the vegetables. Drizzle with remaining olive oil, sprinkle lemon zest over the fish, and season with additional salt and pepper. Squeeze half of the lemon juice over the entire tray.
04 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and vegetables are tender with slight caramelization.
05 - Remove from oven, drizzle with the remaining lemon juice, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything cooks on one tray, so you can actually sit down while dinner bakes instead of hovering over the stove.
  • The tomatoes and olives create their own sauce as they roast, coating the fish in briny, tangy flavor without any extra steps.
  • Its light enough that you dont feel heavy afterward, but satisfying in that clean, Mediterranean way that makes you crave it again the next day.
02 -
  • Dont overcrowd the tray or the vegetables will steam instead of roast, and you'll lose that caramelized sweetness.
  • Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel before seasoning them so the olive oil and spices actually stick instead of sliding off.
03 -
  • Let the tray sit at room temperature for a few minutes after baking so the flavors settle and the fish stays juicy when you serve it.
  • If your fillets are thicker than usual, give them an extra 3 to 5 minutes in the oven and check with a fork to make sure theyre opaque all the way through.
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