I love me some Mediterranean Baked Cod! There’s something about baked fish dinners that always wins. They’re easy, quick, light and super delicious! Today’s oven baked fish is loaded with flavors of the Mediterranean and it’s a simplified version of a classic dish.

One quick trick is to preheat the baking pan with the olive oil in the oven before adding on my fish and other ingredients. This creates an instant sear on the fish and helps the garlic, olives, herbs and tomatoes flavors burst immediately into the pan!

I love cooking fish in the oven

• It’s easy because the oven does all the work for you.
• You don’t need to struggle with flipping the fish on a skillet and worry about it sticking or breaking apart (especially fillets).
• You can turn baked fish into a saucy fish with just a few ingredients around the fish.
• The fish comes out succulent and tender.
• It’s versatile and you can play around with herbs, toppings, sauce ingredients to make the dish differently each time.
• Any type of fish works (whole or fillet), white fish or salmon or shrimp or any!
• You can assemble the dish in advance and keep it i the fridge, and bake it the day you’re serving it.

HOW TO BAKE FISH

First of all, start by gathering your ingredients and preheating the oven to 450 degrees F. You’ll want to get the pan with the olive oil preheating in the oven. Season the fish with salt, pepper and chili flakes.  When the pan is heated enough, add in the garlic, herbs, tomatoes and fish. They will sizzle right away which means the flavors will start to infuse the dish! Pick your favorite variety of olives and throw them around the fish. Top the fish with some tamed jalapeño slices and capers. Place the pan back in the oven. That simple!

How Long To Bake Fish? 

This is probably the most common question I get about baking fish. And the truth is, it depends not he type of fish, the thickness of your fish fillet, the size of it, and also if you’re looking for a sauce in your dish. Another thing to consider is also if you’re preheating the oven fish like I did today. This helps the fish cook faster. In general, fish fillets such as these haddock pieces which are about 3/4th of an inch thick and 2 1/2 inch long will cook in 15 minutes in the oven.

Is it better to bake fish covered or uncovered?

This is a tricky one and will depend on what you’re looking for in your fish. Covering the fish creates a steam within the dish which ensures a super moist environment and hence a super moist fish.

However, the steam environment takes away the crips texture and some of the flavor. So I rarely cover my fish because I love a crips texture and I want the max flavor of fish to shine. Instead, to ensure succulent and tender fish without covering, I keep an eye at the oven and make sure not to overcook my fish.

Also you can serve this Mediterranean dish with a side of rice, pasta, or even salad. It’s a dinner favorite and crowd pleaser! Make this for a crowd, it’s such a fun and easy way to entertain! 

Ali