Best Sicilian-style Baked Cod Fish
Best SICILIAN-STYLE Baked Cod Fish is a easy Mediterranean recipe that serves 4. 300 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Ramy’s Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 1 hr
Cost: $18.59 total, $4.65 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (divided, for sauce and greasing tray)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 medium Red Onion (diced small)
- 10 leaves Fresh Sage Leaves (roughly chopped)
- 0.5 cup Dry White Wine (use a dry, unoaked variety)
- 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste (plain, no added herbs)
- 0.25 cup Pitted Black Olives (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon Capers (rinsed)
- 2 large Fresh Tomatoes (cut into half‑moon pieces)
- 1 whole Lemon (zest and juice (use half for juice, half for zest))
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (sweet paprika)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 4 pieces White Fish Fillets (about 150 g each, skin on or off as preferred (cod, haddock, sea bass))
- 0.5 cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 170°C (338°F) and let it preheat while you prepare the sauce.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 170°C
Sauté Aromatics
Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced red onion; sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Add Sage
Stir in the chopped sage leaves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Time: PT1M
Deglaze with Wine
Pour in the white wine, scraping any browned bits from the pan. Let it reduce for about 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Build the Base Sauce
Add tomato paste, sliced olives, and capers. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
Time: PT2M
Add Fresh Tomatoes and Seasonings
Stir in the diced fresh tomatoes, lemon juice, paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Thicken the Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce gently simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Season the Fish
Pat the fish fillets dry. Brush each fillet with the remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil and sprinkle with lemon pepper, salt, and a pinch of black pepper.
Time: PT3M
Arrange on Baking Tray
Line the baking tray with parchment (optional) and place the seasoned fillets in a single layer. Spoon a generous amount of the sauce over each fillet, then top with extra sliced olives, capers, and halved cherry tomatoes.
Time: PT3M
Bake the Fish
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 170°C
Prepare Garnish
While the fish bakes, quickly heat a splash of olive oil in a small pan and fry the remaining olives, capers, and lemon zest for about 2 minutes until aromatic.
Time: PT2M
Finish and Serve
Remove the fish from the oven, drizzle any remaining sauce over the top, sprinkle with chopped parsley and the fried garnish mixture. Serve immediately.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 300
- Protein
- 25 g
- Carbohydrates
- 8 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Pescatarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Low-Carb
Allergens: Fish, Olives
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Extra Virgin Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Red Onion: yellow onion
- Instead of Fresh Sage Leaves: thyme, oregano
- Instead of Dry White Wine: chicken broth, vegetable broth
- Instead of Tomato Paste: tomato puree (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Pitted Black Olives: green olives
- Instead of Capers: chopped pickles
- Instead of Fresh Tomatoes: canned diced tomatoes (1 cup)
- Instead of Lemon: bottled lemon juice (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Paprika: smoked paprika
- Instead of White Fish Fillets: any firm white fish
- Instead of Cherry Tomatoes: grape tomatoes
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: cilantro
- Instead of Lemon Pepper Seasoning: additional lemon zest + pepper
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Baking Tray
- Parchment Paper (optional)
- Oven
- Mixing Spoon
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Zest Grater (optional)
- Measuring Spoons
- Tongs
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Thickening the sauce to the right consistency (step 7).
- Baking the fish just until it flakes (step 10) to avoid drying out.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a dry white wine with good acidity; it brightens the sauce.
- Pat the fish dry before oiling to ensure the seasoning adheres well.
- For extra aroma, add a pinch of smoked paprika instead of sweet.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too watery.
Continue simmering uncovered, stirring frequently, until it reduces to a coat‑the‑spoon consistency.
Fish is dry after baking.
Check for doneness at 15 minutes; fish should flake but still be moist. Overbaking dries it out.
Olives become bitter.
Rinse olives before adding and do not over‑cook them in the garnish step.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Fish can be frozen without sauce for up to 1 month; reheat gently.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The Mediterranean sauce can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated; reheat gently before using.
- Season the fish with lemon pepper and let it rest for 10 minutes before baking for deeper flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of baked white fish with Mediterranean tomato olive sauce in Mediterranean cuisine?
Mediterranean coastal cultures have long celebrated simple grilled or baked fish paired with bright tomato‑olive sauces, reflecting the region’s abundant olive oil, citrus, and fresh produce. This dish embodies the health‑focused, flavor‑forward cooking that dates back to ancient Greek and Roman tables.
What are the traditional regional variations of Mediterranean fish with tomato olive sauce in Italy and Greece?
In Italy, similar dishes use anchovies, capers, and sometimes white wine vinegar, while Greek versions often add oregano, feta, and a splash of ouzo. Both regions rely on olive oil, lemon, and fresh herbs, but the spice profile and garnish differ.
How is baked white fish with Mediterranean tomato olive sauce traditionally served in Mediterranean households?
It is typically served hot, directly from the oven, on a platter with a side of crusty bread or a simple herb‑infused rice. A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables often accompany the fish to complete the meal.
What occasions or celebrations is baked white fish with Mediterranean tomato olive sauce associated with in Mediterranean culture?
The dish is popular for family gatherings, summer barbecues, and religious feasts such as Easter, where fish symbolizes renewal. Its light yet festive profile makes it suitable for both everyday meals and special occasions.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Mediterranean fish with tomato olive sauce versus acceptable substitutes?
Key ingredients include high‑quality extra virgin olive oil, pitted black olives, capers, fresh lemon, and a dry white wine. Substitutes can be green olives, chicken broth for wine, or lemon zest plus pepper if lemon pepper seasoning is unavailable.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making baked white fish with Mediterranean tomato olive sauce?
Common errors include over‑cooking the fish, which makes it dry, and letting the sauce reduce too far, resulting in a burnt flavor. Also, adding olives too early can cause bitterness; they belong in the final garnish.
Why does this recipe use a low oven temperature of 170°C instead of a higher heat for the fish?
A gentle 170°C bake cooks the fish evenly, preserving its delicate texture while allowing the sauce to meld without scorching. Higher heat can cause the exterior to dry out before the interior is cooked through.
Can I make the Mediterranean sauce ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared up to a day in advance. Cool it to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop before topping the fish.
What does the YouTube channel Chef Ramy's Kitchen specialize in?
Chef Ramy's Kitchen focuses on approachable, health‑focused Mediterranean and Middle‑Eastern recipes, emphasizing fresh herbs, olive oil, and simple techniques that home cooks can master.
How does the YouTube channel Chef Ramy's Kitchen's approach to Mediterranean cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Chef Ramy's Kitchen blends traditional Mediterranean flavors with modern, quick‑prep methods, often using pantry staples and minimal equipment, whereas many channels stick to either elaborate gourmet techniques or purely fast‑food shortcuts.
Last updated: November 12, 2026
