Print

Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe

4.7 from 110 reviews

This Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish recipe features tender cod fillets baked with a luscious blend of olive oil, melted butter, fragrant spices, garlic, capers, and fresh lemon. Perfect for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal, this dish brings Mediterranean flair to your table with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish and Seasoning

  • 1 lb. cod fillet
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Zest of 1 lemon + lemon slices
  • 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons capers
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Fresh cracked pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh lemon wedges
  • Fresh chopped cilantro

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the cod fillet evenly.
  2. Prepare the Baking Dish and Fish: Place the cod fillet into a large baking dish, ensuring it lays flat for even cooking.
  3. Make the Oil and Butter Mixture: In a small glass measuring cup, combine olive oil and melted butter, then pour this mixture evenly over the cod, coating it thoroughly for rich flavor.
  4. Season the Fish: Sprinkle the cod with ground coriander, paprika, a generous pinch of kosher salt, and fresh cracked pepper to enhance its Mediterranean flavors.
  5. Add Aromatics and Capers: Top the cod with lemon zest, lemon slices, thinly sliced garlic, and capers, which add a briny, aromatic bite.
  6. Bake the Fish: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily when tested with a fork, indicating it is fully cooked.
  7. Garnish and Serve: After baking, garnish the fish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the top. Serve with additional lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

  • Butter enhances the flavor and texture, giving the fish a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth quality. If needed, you can substitute olive oil alone, but the butter combination is highly recommended.
  • Green olives can be used as a substitute for capers if you prefer or don’t have capers on hand; use a bit more olives to match the bold flavor.
  • Avoid overcooking the fish. Cooking times may vary depending on oven, fish thickness, and baking dish. The fish is done as soon as it flakes easily with a fork.

Keywords: Mediterranean baked fish, cod recipe, easy fish dinner, baked cod with lemon, healthy fish recipe, fish with capers and garlic, quick baked fish