Heavenly Greek Baked Cod Recipe: A Taste of Mediterranean Magic

Mediterranean kitchens have long celebrated this delightful baked cod with vibrant herbs and zesty flavors.

Fresh ingredients dance together beautifully in this classic Greek approach.

Sea-kissed cod transforms into a tender masterpiece when prepared with simple Mediterranean techniques.

Bright lemon and fragrant oregano provide delectable character to each succulent bite.

Regional olive oil adds rich depth and authentic coastal charm.

Salt and pepper play quiet supporting roles beside the star protein.

Crisp textures and clean flavors await you in this remarkable coastal dish.

Come cook like a seasoned Greek chef and savor every magnificent moment.

Mediterranean Pairings for Baked Cod

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Assyrtiko complement the delicate cod and lemony marinade, cutting through the fish's richness with bright, zesty notes.
• Match with Mediterranean Salad: Create a refreshing Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and kalamata olives to balance the baked cod's light texture and enhance Mediterranean flavors.
• Serve with Herbed Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with rosemary and garlic provide a hearty side that absorbs the delicious pan juices from the cod.
• Accompany with Tzatziki Sauce: Cool, tangy yogurt-based tzatziki adds a creamy contrast to the fish, bringing additional Mediterranean authenticity to the meal.

Greek Style Baked Cod Light Versions

• Mediterranean Herb Cod: Replace oregano with a blend of fresh thyme, rosemary, and basil for an aromatic herb-infused version.
• Dairy-Free Mediterranean: Omit feta cheese and use nutritional yeast or dairy-free herb sprinkle for a vegan-friendly alternative.
• Spicy Greek Cod: Add red pepper flakes or paprika to the marinade for a zesty, warming kick that elevates the traditional recipe.
• Low-Carb Protein Option: Serve with roasted vegetables or cauliflower rice instead of traditional sides to keep the meal light and nutritious.

FAQs

• What type of fish works best for this recipe?

Cod is ideal, but you can also use other white fish like halibut, haddock, or sea bass. These fish have mild, delicate flavors that absorb the Greek-style marinade beautifully.

• Can I use fresh or dried herbs?

Fresh herbs like parsley are recommended for garnishing, while dried oregano works perfectly in the marinade. Dried herbs provide concentrated flavor and are convenient for this recipe.

• How do I know when the cod is perfectly cooked?

The fish should turn opaque white and flake easily with a fork. Overcooking can make the fish dry, so watch closely and remove it from the oven as soon as it’s done. The total cooking time is typically 12-15 minutes at 400F.

• Is marinating necessary for this recipe?

While not mandatory, marinating for 15-20 minutes helps enhance the fish’s flavor and allows the lemon, garlic, and oregano to penetrate the cod. If you’re short on time, you can skip marinating and still achieve delicious results.

Greek Baked Cod That’s Light, Simple, and Full of Lemon

• Quickest Weeknight Rescue: Whip up this cod recipe in under 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy families and professionals craving a delicious, healthy meal without complex cooking techniques.
• Foolproof Flavor Explosion: The simple marinade of lemon, garlic, and oregano transforms basic cod into a Mediterranean-inspired dish that tastes like it came straight from a Greek taverna, with minimal effort required.
• Health-Conscious Delight: Packed with lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and prepared with minimal oil, this recipe offers a nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on taste, perfect for anyone watching their diet or seeking wholesome eating options.
• Versatile Entertaining Champion: Elegant enough for dinner parties yet simple enough for casual family meals, this cod dish impresses guests while remaining stress-free to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for various dining scenarios.

Greek Baked Cod (Light & Easy) Ingredients

• Cod Fillets: Fresh white fish with mild, delicate flavor, perfect for baking without drying out. Wild-caught or sustainably sourced cod recommended.

• Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Create bright, tangy base that tenderizes and adds zesty Mediterranean flavor. Extra virgin olive oil provides best taste.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and classic Mediterranean character. Fresh garlic cloves preferred over pre-minced.
• Dried Oregano: Signature Greek herb with earthy, slightly bitter notes. Preferably Mediterranean oregano for authentic taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance natural fish flavors. Freshly ground black pepper recommended.

• Feta Cheese: Creamy, salty Greek cheese that adds rich texture and traditional Mediterranean profile. High-quality, crumbled feta works best.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb for color and fresh garnish. Adds subtle herbal note and visual appeal.
• Lemon Wedges: Provides extra citrus brightness and allows individual seasoning. Fresh lemons recommended.

Baked Cod Mediterranean Method

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 400F (200C).

Grab a baking dish and give it a quick olive oil massage to keep the fish from getting clingy.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Burst

• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk everything together until it’s perfectly blended.

Step 3: Prepare the Fish

Nestle the cod fillets into the greased baking dish.

Pour the marinade all over, making sure each piece gets a generous coating.

Pro tip: Let the fish hang out in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes if you’ve got time – it’ll amp up the flavor big time.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the hot oven.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, keeping an eye out until the fish turns beautifully opaque and breaks apart with a gentle fork nudge.

The cooking time might vary depending on how thick your fillets are.

Step 5: Final Flourish

Pull the cod out of the oven.

If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese on top and shower with fresh parsley.

Serve with extra lemon wedges and drizzle those amazing pan juices over the top.

Baking Tips for Greek Style Baked Cod

• Let the cod sit in the lemony garlic marinade for 15-20 minutes before baking to deeply infuse the fish with Mediterranean-inspired taste.
• Test fish doneness by gently pressing with a fork – when it flakes easily and turns opaque white, it's perfectly cooked without becoming dry.
• Lightly oil your baking dish to ensure cod releases smoothly and maintains its delicate texture during cooking.
• Choose high-quality, fresh cod fillets with firm, translucent flesh for the best taste and most tender final dish.
• Swap feta cheese with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast for vegan versions, or use dairy-free herb sprinkles to accommodate various dietary needs.

Greek Cod Baked Dish Storage

• Carefully transfer leftover cod to an airtight container, ensuring no air exposure. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Gently warm cod on medium power for 30-45 seconds, adding a splash of water to prevent dryness. Check internal temperature reaches 145°F for food safety.
• Preheat oven to 275°F, place cod in a lightly greased baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through.
• Avoid repeated reheating to maintain fish's delicate texture and original taste. Consume reheated cod immediately for best quality.

Greek Baked Cod Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean coastal charm meets culinary simplicity in this Greek-Style Baked Cod, where delicate fish becomes a sublime Mediterranean masterpiece. Herbs, lemon, and olive oil weave classic Greek flavors into a quick, elegant dinner you’ll savor with pure Mediterranean pleasure.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces/170 grams each)

Marinade and Seasoning:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (Greek oregano preferred)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish and Optional Toppings:

• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by setting the temperature to 400F (200C) and lightly coating a baking dish with olive oil to prevent fish adherence.
2. Create a vibrant marinade by combining olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl, whisking until harmoniously blended.
3. Gently position cod fillets in the prepared baking dish, thoroughly coating each piece with the aromatic marinade. Optional: Allow fillets to marinate in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to intensify flavor profiles.
4. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven, allowing the cod to cook for 12-15 minutes. Monitor the fish closely, ensuring it transforms to an opaque appearance and can be effortlessly flaked with a fork.
5. Extract the baked cod from the oven, enhancing its presentation by sprinkling crumbled feta cheese over the surface and adorning with fresh parsley. Complete the dish by serving with additional lemon wedges and drizzling the remaining pan juices for extra zest.

Notes

• Marinating Magic: Let the cod sit in the lemon-herb mixture for up to 30 minutes to intensify the Mediterranean flavors and tenderize the fish.
• Fillet Flexibility: Choose fresh or frozen cod, ensuring uniform thickness for even cooking and perfectly flaky results.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap feta with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version or use gluten-free herbs to make the dish celiac-friendly.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check that cod reaches 145°F internal temperature, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked fish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg