Imagine a restaurant-quality meal that takes just 30 minutes to prepare, bursting with Mediterranean flavors and requiring minimal effort. Our Minimal Monday Cod with Lemon and Olives is the ultimate solution for busy home cooks craving a delicious, healthy dinner that looks and tastes like it was crafted by a professional chef. With just a handful of simple ingredients and foolproof cooking techniques, you'll create a dish that's not only incredibly tasty but also impressively elegant.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cod fillets
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1/2 cup olives, pitted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better sear and prevents steaming.
- Season both sides of the cod fillets generously with salt, pepper, and dried oregano, ensuring even coverage.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the baking sheet, creating a light coating to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the seasoned cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them for even cooking.
- Scatter the pitted olives around the cod fillets, distributing them evenly.
- Place lemon slices on top of and around the cod, which will infuse the fish with bright, citrusy flavor during cooking.
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the fish, olives, and lemon slices.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh herbs like parsley or dill if desired.
Tips
- Pat your cod fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure a beautiful golden crust and prevent steaming.
- Use fresh, high-quality olives for the most vibrant flavor profile.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give each fillet space to cook evenly.
- Fresh lemon slices are key to infusing bright, citrusy notes into the fish.
- Check the cod's doneness by its opacity and ability to flake easily with a fork.
- Let the fish rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its moisture and tenderness.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 85mg
