Rich lemon flavor encircles this seafood dish made with an onion and olive relish. This Lemon Baked Cod with Onion and Green Olive Relish is an exquisite meal perfect for entertaining.
If you love easy cod recipes then make sure to try this Creamy Lemon Cod Piccata.
Lemon Baked Cod with Onion and Green Olive Relish
Each year as the holiday season rolls around I’m immediately drawn to the glossy magazines covered in delicious seasonal recipes. I purchase them all and eagerly plan out the cookies to bake, breakfasts to make, and dinners to serves.
This delicious dish is a showstopper for entertaining guests and one worthy of a front cover. Lemon Baked Cod with Onion and Green Olive Relish sounds fancy, but in all honesty, it’s extremely easy to prepare.
The relish marinates and intensifies in flavor while the fish slowly cooks in the oven. Together they make one fine family meal perfect during the holidays.
How to Make the Onion and Green Olive Relish
Making this onion and green olive relish is simple and is what makes the entire dish so beautiful.
- Prep the lemons. Finely grate the zest from 2 of the lemons into a small bowl and set aside. Using a sharp knife slice the ends off of each of the lemons then cut the peel and white pith from the lemons; discard. Cut between the membranes to release the lemon segments into the bowl with the zest, discard the leftover membranes. Slice the remaining lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the bowl.
- Prep the red onions. In a separate small bowl add the sliced onion and sprinkle the salt on top, let sit for 10 minutes.
- Marinate. Add the chopped olives, capers, and 3/4 cup of olive oil to the bowl with the lemon segment, toss to combine, and cover for 30 minutes at room temperature.
How to Cook Cod Perfectly
Baking cod in the oven is simple and a great way to achieve a soft and flaky fish.
- Preheat the oven to 250℉. By cooking the fish at a low temperature you allow it to slowly heat to a perfectly flaky fish.
- Place the cod in a large shallow baking dish or oven-safe skillet and drizzle with the remaining 1/2 cup of olive oil. Turn the fish to coat and season with additional salt if desired.
- Bake until cooked through for 30 to 40 minutes.
Is Cod Healthy to Eat?
Though cod is a tad higher in sodium it is an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids and is full of lean protein and vitamin B-12. This fish is also low in calories and makes an excellent healthy option for any day of the week.
What to Serve with Cod
Lemon Baked Cod with Onion and Green Olive Relish
Ingredients
- 3 Lemons
- 1/2 small Red Onion peeled and sliced very thin
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 cup Green Olives pitted and chopped
- 2 tablespoons Capers drained
- 1¼ cups Olive Oil
- 8 6-ounce pieces Cod Fillets
- 1/4 cup Parsley chopped, optional
Instructions
- Finely grate the zest from 2 of the lemons into a small bowl and set aside. Using a sharp knife slice the ends off of each of the lemons then cut the peel and white pith from the lemons; discard. Cut between the membranes to release the lemon segments into the bowl with the zest, discard the leftover membranes. Slice the remaining lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the bowl.
- In a separate small bowl add the sliced onion and sprinkle the salt on top, let sit for 10 minutes.
- Add the chopped olives, capers, and 3/4 cup of olive oil to the bowl with the lemon segment, toss to combine and cover for 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 4 hours refrigerated. If relish is chilled bring to room temperature before using in cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 250℉.
- Place the cod in a large shallow baking dish or oven-safe skillet and drizzle with the remaining 1/2 cup of olive oil. Turn the fish to coat and season with additional salt if desired. Roast until cooked through, 30 to 40 minutes.
- Set the cooked fish on a serving platter or individual plates and spoon relish over the fish. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.