One-pan Mediterranean Cod is the dinner that makes you look like you have your life together haha! Cod fillets nestled in a sauce of cherry tomatoes, Kalamata and Castelvetrano olives, white wine, lemon, Calabrian chili, and fresh basil. All covered and cooked until the fish is perfectly flaky and the sauce is something you'll mop up with crusty bread long after the fish is gone.
I make this on nights when I want something that tastes like a seaside vacation in Greece but still leaves room for dessert. And yes, I’ve been known to eat it straight out of the pan. No shame.
Love Mediterranean Recipes? You can also check out my One Pot Flavorful Mediterranean Orzo (a weeknight hero), Mediterranean Branzino Al Forno (restaurant vibes at home) or my Crispy, Zesty Mediterranean Spinach Feta Pie - basically spanakopita’s rebellious cousin.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy: This one’s a lifesaver on hectic nights—minimal prep, one pan, dinner done in under 30.
Feel-Good Food: Lean protein, fresh veggies, and good olive oil? It’s healthy without even trying.
Big Flavor, Low Effort: Between the garlic, herbs, and that dreamy white wine tomato sauce, every bite tastes like you did way more than you actually did.
Make It Your Own: No cod? Use salmon. No tomatoes? Toss in some olives or artichokes. This recipe plays nice with whatever you’ve got on hand.
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Ingredients
Full recipe, instructions, and photos in the recipe card at the end of post
Cod fish: Fresh cod fillets are ideal for this recipe due to their flaky texture and mild flavor. Make sure to pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning.
Olive oil: Provides a rich, fruity base for searing the fish, essential in Mediterranean cuisine. Opt for a really good olive oil.
Oregano: Adds an earthy, aromatic flavor that complements the fish perfectly.
Shallot (or red onion): Gives a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
Cherry tomatoes: Adds a burst of sweetness and juiciness to the sauce.
Kalamata olives, pitted: These olives add a briny, savory note that complements the fish.
Castelvetrano olives, pitted(or any green olives): Castelvetrano olives add a mild, buttery flavor and a crisp texture to the Mediterranean cod dish. Their slightly sweet taste balances the briny and tangy notes of the Kalamata olives, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
Dry white wine: Use a dry white wine to add acidity and depth to the sauce. You can sub white wine for chicken broth with a teaspoon of vinegar.
Substitutions and Variations
No cod? Any mild white fish works beautifully. Mahi-mahi, tilapia, halibut, sole. Salmon works too for a richer, more intensely flavored result, though it changes the character of the dish.
No white wine? One cup of chicken broth with a teaspoon of white wine vinegar is the best substitute. The sauce will be slightly less complex but still very good.
No Calabrian chili? Half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes works as a substitute. The heat will be sharper and less fruity but still adds the right warmth to the sauce.
Want to add more vegetables? Artichoke hearts, bell peppers, or baby spinach wilted in at the very end are all very much at home in this sauce. Add the spinach in the last minute of cooking.
FAQ
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and reheat it before adding the cod fillets. But the cod filets are best served right after cooking.
Yes! Preheat the oven to 400F. Combine all the sauce ingredients and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and add in the seasoned cod filets. Cover and cook for another 10-12 minutes or until the internal temp reaches 145F.
⭐️ Recipe
Mediterranean Cod
Ingredients
Cod
- 4 pieces cod filet 4 oz each
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ cup feta cheese
Sauce
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ large shallot diced or red onion
- 4 cloves garlic crushed
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup dry white wine or chicken stock with a teaspoon vinegar
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoon Calabrian chili optional or sub for ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ tablespoon vegetable bouillon
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ cup Kalamata olives
- ½ cup Castelvetrano olives
- 2 tablespoon chopped basil
Instructions
Preparing the Cod
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season each side with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and oregano.4 pieces cod filet, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, 1 tsp oregano
Preparing the Mediterranean Sauce
- In a large skillet, add 2 tablespoon olive oil and your butter. Sauté the diced shallot over medium heat until the shallot becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.½ large shallot diced, 4 cloves garlic crushed, 1 tbsp butter
- Add the cherry tomatoes and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the wine and lemon juice and reduce for 3-4 minutes.1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, 1 cup dry white wine, 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Add the onion powder, garlic powder, basil, Calabrian chili, vegetable bouillon and water. Simmer until combined.2 tsp Calabrian chili, ½ tbsp vegetable bouillon, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp dried basil, ½ cup water
- Add in the cod and olives. Spoon some sauce over the cod, cover, and cook on medium heat for 5 minutes. Add in the chopped fresh basil and cook for another 3-5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 135F (it will continue cooking a few degrees when taken off the heat). Make sure not to overcook, or the fish will become rubbery. If the cod are not all the same size or thickness, you can remove some of the fillets before the larger ones cook.½ cup Kalamata olives, ½ cup Castelvetrano olives, 2 tbsp chopped basil
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. And top with feta cheese.½ cup feta cheese
Lucas says
I saw this on your youtube channel and made it. Amazing!
Linda says
This was a definite winner with hubby and myself! Had some olives, tomatoes and sauce left to use in an omelette! Wonderful flavor!
Lola Jay says
That's great to hear!! I am glad you and hubby enjoyed it!
Vanessa says
We made this for dinner last night when we had friends over and everybody loved it! It tastes so good!
Bruce Chutka says
Absolutely fantastic! Followed the recipe as outlined. I will be making this dish again and again. Thanks so much
Frank Bonavota says
It came out amazing. The right ingredients made this a make it again and again meal. I tried to give you 6 stars but unsuccessful.
Lola Jay says
Thank you!! I am glad you enjoyed it and will add it to your rotation!
Faith VanVliet says
Wow. This recipe was incredible! So many flavors. I added capers too just for fun. Loved it and will make often.
Lola Jay says
That's amazing! Thank you for sharing your experience!
Pamela Carnemolla-Dihmes says
Saw you on YouTube for the first time today, was looking for a different cod recipe. I found yours and it was fabulous
Lola Jay says
Thank you!! So glad to her!