Description
This Baked Cod with Mediterranean Spices and Lemon is a delightful dish that combines the earthy warmth of spices with the bright zest of lemon. It’s a simple yet sophisticated meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 (6-ounce) cod fillets, skinless and boneless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the cod cooks evenly and helps achieve a lovely golden crust.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, dried oregano, dried thyme, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This spice blend will coat the cod nicely and infuse it with Mediterranean flavors.
- Place the cod fillets on a large, rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Drizzle half of the spice mixture on top of the fillets. Use a brush or the back of a spoon to evenly coat the fish. Be careful not to let the spices pool too much in one spot.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, Kalamata olives, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss well to coat all the vegetables in the remaining spice mixture.
- Spread the vegetable mixture around the cod fillets on the baking sheet. This allows the flavors to meld while baking and ensures that the vegetables become tender and flavorful.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The edges should turn light golden, and the vegetables should be soft. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking, as fish can become dry if left too long.
- Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the dish rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist cod.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This adds a vibrant touch and extra flavor to the dish. Enjoy your beautifully baked cod with Mediterranean spices and lemon!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with vegetables
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Be mindful of the cooking time. Cod can go from perfectly flaky to dry if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer for precision; the ideal internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C).