Imagine a dish that transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors that transports you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of the Mediterranean. This Baked Cod with Spinach, Feta, and Tomatoes isn't just a meal—it's a culinary escape that promises restaurant-quality elegance with minimal effort. Perfect for busy home cooks who crave gourmet taste without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero that looks and tastes like it took professional skills to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a better sear and prevents steaming.
- Season both sides of the cod fillets generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- In a large oven-safe baking dish, drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking and create a base for the ingredients.
- Spread the fresh spinach leaves evenly across the bottom of the baking dish, creating a bed for the cod fillets.
- Arrange the cod fillets on top of the spinach leaves, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around and between the cod fillets.
- Sprinkle minced garlic over the fish and vegetables for added flavor.
- Crumble the feta cheese evenly across the top of the fillets and vegetables.
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the entire dish to help with browning and moisture.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake 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 flavors to meld and the fish to finish cooking.
- Serve hot, directly from the baking dish, ensuring each serving gets a cod fillet, spinach, tomatoes, and feta.
Tips
- Always choose fresh, high-quality cod fillets with a firm texture and mild, clean smell.
- Pat the fish completely dry before seasoning to ensure a beautiful golden exterior and prevent steaming.
- Use a digital meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the cod reaches 145°F for perfect doneness.
- Don't overcrowd the baking dish to allow even heat circulation and prevent the fish from becoming soggy.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill or oregano before baking.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to settle and the fish to finish cooking gently.
- If you prefer a slightly crispy top, switch to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 85mg
