Roasted Cod with Burst Tomatoes and Olives Recipe
Introduction
This roasted cod with burst tomatoes and olives is a flavorful, Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s simple to prepare yet impressive on the plate. The juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and fragrant dill complement the mild fish perfectly, making it a delightful meal for any occasion.

Ingredients
- 4 (6-ounce) skinless, center-cut cod fillets (or hake, halibut, or other mild white fish)
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved (1 1/2 cups)
- 1/3 cup pitted chopped green olives
- 1 tablespoon chopped capers
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped dill
- Crusty bread, cooked rice, or grains (such as quinoa or farro), for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Season the cod fillets generously with salt.
- Step 2: In a 12-inch oven-safe, nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil together with 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts and the foaming subsides, arrange the fish fillets in a single layer. Baste the tops of the fish with the butter mixture, then transfer the skillet to the oven. Roast until the fish is flaky, opaque throughout, and just cooked through, about 12 to 14 minutes. Remove the fish from the skillet and transfer to four serving plates.
- Step 3: Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and stir over medium heat until melted and light golden, about 2 minutes. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and release their juices, about 2 minutes.
- Step 4: Stir in the chopped green olives, capers, lemon juice, and chopped dill. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 5: Spoon the pan sauce evenly over the cod fillets. Serve warm with crusty bread, rice, or your choice of grains on the side.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the cod briefly in lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs before cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier touch, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce.
- Substitute fresh dill with parsley or basil depending on your preference.
- Use a cast iron skillet if an oven-safe nonstick skillet is unavailable, just be sure to oil it well to prevent sticking.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in a microwave to avoid overcooking the fish. For best texture, it’s ideal to enjoy this dish fresh.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?
Yes, frozen cod or other white fish can be used. Thaw it completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking to ensure even roasting.
What can I serve instead of crusty bread or grains?
This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a lighter option.
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Roasted Cod with Burst Tomatoes and Olives Recipe
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Roasted Cod with Burst Tomatoes and Olives is a flavorful and elegant seafood dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Tender cod fillets are oven-roasted to perfection and complemented by a vibrant, buttery sauce featuring burst cherry tomatoes, briny olives, capers, fresh lemon juice, and fragrant dill. Served alongside crusty bread, rice, or grains, this recipe offers a deliciously balanced meal bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Fish and Seasoning
- 4 (6-ounce) skinless, center-cut cod fillets (or hake, halibut, or other mild white fish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
Sauce and Garnishes
- 8 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/3 cup pitted chopped green olives
- 1 tablespoon chopped capers
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
To Serve
- Crusty bread, cooked rice, or grains such as quinoa or farro
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Season Fish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the cod fillets dry and season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Sear Cod in Skillet: In a 12-inch oven-safe nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil together with 1 tablespoon of the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts and the foaming subsides, carefully arrange the seasoned cod fillets in a single layer in the skillet. Baste the tops with the melted butter and oil mixture to keep them moist and flavorful.
- Roast Cod in Oven: Transfer the skillet directly to the preheated oven and roast the fish for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the cod is opaque, flaky, and just cooked through. Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the fish fillets to individual serving plates, reserving the skillet for the sauce preparation.
- Prepare Tomato and Olive Sauce: Return the skillet to the stovetop over medium heat. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter and stir continuously until it melts and turns a light golden color, about 2 minutes. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they just begin to soften and release their juices, approximately 2 minutes.
- Finish Sauce and Season: Stir in the chopped green olives, capers, lemon juice, and chopped fresh dill. Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste. Allow the flavors to meld together for a minute more.
- Serve: Spoon generous amounts of the warm tomato and olive sauce over each cod fillet. Serve immediately with crusty bread, cooked rice, or your choice of grains such as quinoa or farro to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- Use a firm, mild white fish such as hagfish, halibut, or hake if cod is unavailable.
- If you don’t have fresh dill, you can substitute with fresh parsley or basil, though dill provides the traditional flavor here.
- For a gluten-free meal, serve with rice, quinoa, or gluten-free bread instead of crusty wheat-based bread.
- Be careful not to overcook the cod; remove it from the oven as soon as it flakes easily with a fork to prevent dryness.
- To enhance the sauce’s flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: roasted cod, cod recipe, Mediterranean fish, baked fish, burst tomatoes, olives, healthy seafood dinner

