Black cod has always felt like a quiet luxury in my kitchen. It’s the kind of fish I usually pick up for special meals or when I spot it at a good price. The first time I baked it this way, I was honestly surprised by how little effort it needed. The fish stayed soft and rich, soaking up all the flavors from the vegetables and herbs around it.
This recipe feels fancy on the plate, yet the process stays very relaxed. Everything bakes together, and the result tastes like something you’d order at a seaside restaurant, even though it comes together on a regular evening at home.
Why This Mediterranean Fish Dish Works So Well
Black cod has a naturally buttery texture that stays moist in the oven. Pairing it with tomatoes, peppers, olives, and fresh herbs keeps the dish bright and balanced. The vegetables soften and release their juices, creating a light pan sauce that coats the fish beautifully.
I like that this recipe keeps the ingredient list short. Nothing feels heavy or complicated, yet the flavors feel complete and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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1½ pounds black cod fillets
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1 cup cherry or pearl tomatoes, halved
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1 medium bell pepper, sliced
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⅓ cup green olives, sliced
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⅓ cup black olives, sliced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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1 lemon, sliced and juiced
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Each ingredient plays a clear role, from the richness of the fish to the freshness of the herbs.
How I Prepare Baked Black Cod
I start by spreading the tomatoes, peppers, olives, and garlic in a baking dish. A drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice goes over everything, followed by a gentle toss so the flavors mix evenly.
The cod fillets rest right on top of the vegetables. I add lemon slices and a bit more olive oil, then bake until the fish flakes easily and looks glossy.
Once it’s out of the oven, fresh herbs go on last. That final touch keeps the flavors fresh and fragrant.
Easy Ingredient Swaps to Try
This method works nicely with other fish like halibut or salmon. Cooking time may change depending on thickness.
Using only one type of olive works fine. I usually lean toward green olives.
Chopped onion or shallot fits well into the vegetable mix if you want extra depth.
What I Like to Serve With This Dish
This recipe already includes protein, healthy fats, and vegetables, so adding a simple starch rounds it out nicely. Some favorites from my table include:
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Quinoa or brown rice
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Roasted or boiled potatoes
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Pasta tossed with the baked vegetables
The vegetable mixture works beautifully as a light topping or sauce.
Nutrition Notes From Everyday Cooking
Black cod offers complete protein and beneficial fats. It brings along nutrients like vitamin B12, magnesium, and iron, making it a solid choice for balanced meals that still feel indulgent.
FAQs
Can I use frozen black cod?
Yes. Thaw it fully and pat it dry before baking.
How do I know when the fish is done?
The fish should flake easily with a fork and look opaque throughout.
Can leftovers be stored?
Yes. Store them in the fridge for up to two days and reheat gently.
Does this work for meal prep?
It does. The flavors hold up well, though the fish tastes best freshly baked.
Mediterranean Baked Black Cod
This Mediterranean-style baked black cod is tender, rich, and gently infused with fresh vegetables, olives, and herbs.
Ingredients
- 1 pound black cod fillets, cut into four portions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 5 large green olives, pitted and diced
- 8 small black olives, pitted and diced
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly oil a baking dish large enough to hold the fish in a single layer.
- Arrange the black cod fillets in the dish, spacing them evenly. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, green olives, black olives, garlic, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper, tossing until everything is well coated.
- Spoon the vegetable mixture around and over the fish, keeping the fillets mostly visible while surrounding them with the vegetables. Season the fish lightly with additional salt and pepper.
- Bake until the fish is opaque, flakes easily, and feels tender to the touch.
- Remove from the oven and finish with fresh basil before serving warm.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 223Total Fat 10gSaturated Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 63mgSodium 217mgCarbohydrates 7gFiber 2gSugar 3gProtein 28g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thought
Mediterranean baked black cod feels like one of those recipes that brings calm into the kitchen. It looks impressive, tastes rich, and still stays simple from start to finish. When I want a meal that feels special without adding stress, this is the one I come back to again and again.
