Cod and Spinach Recipe – A Simple and Nutritious Meal Idea

When it comes to preparing a delicious and nutritious meal, combining cod and spinach is an excellent choice.

best Bacalao con espinacas recipe by the Mediterranean fork

Both ingredients are rich in essential nutrients and offer numerous health benefits, making this duo a perfect match for those looking to create a satisfying, well-balanced dish.

Cod is a lean white fish with a mild flavor, making it versatile and easily adaptable to a variety of different recipes. It’s a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and numerous essential vitamins and minerals. Spinach, on the other hand, is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable that’s packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium. Together, these two ingredients create flavorful dishes that cater to various dietary preferences and restrictions.

There are countless ways to incorporate cod and spinach into your meal planning, from simple sautéed dishes to more elegant, oven-baked creations. By exploring your cooking options and experimenting with different combinations, you’ll find that this versatile pairing can provide endless meal inspiration.

ingredients needed to make the Cod and Spinach Recipe

Ingredients

2-3 cod filets (around 500 gr.)

Sea salt and pepper, to taste

¼ cup olive oil

2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

600 gr. spinach

50 gr. pine nuts

80 gr. raisins 

Fresh Parsley

How to Make Cod and Spinach

1. Clean the cod filets and pat them dry with paper towels—season with salt and pepper.

patting the cod filet dry with paper towels

2. Heat a non-stick skillet to medium and add the olive oil.

3. Place the filet’s skin side down and let them cook for about 5 minutes on each side; reserve.

cooking the filet's skin side down

4. In the same oil, add the garlic cloves and let them cook for a couple of minutes, just until golden brown. Remove and reserve.

cooking garlic cloves until golden brown for the Bacalao con espinacas

5. Add the spinach and let them cook until wilted – just until they are bright green.

cooking the spinach in a skillet

6. Add the raisins and pine nuts and season with salt and pepper.

Adding the raisins and pine nuts to the spinach

7. Serve the cod over the spinach and top with the garlic and fresh parsley.

Cod and Spinach top with the garlic and fresh parsley

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • Cook the garlic just until golden brown; if it gets burned, it will give a bitter taste to the oil.
  • Always stir the spinach while cooking; they will get soft and bright green just with the heat of the skillet; there’s no need to add more liquid.
Cod and Spinach side view

Serving Suggestions

When you’re ready to serve your delicious cod and spinach dish, consider adding some complementary sides to create a balanced and satisfying meal. Here are a few ideas:

  • Simple Cod with Sauteed Spinach pairs well with a light and fluffy side of quinoa or brown rice. The grains will help soak up any remaining sauce and add extra texture to the dish.
  • For a low-carb meal, serve Oven Baked Cod with Lemon and Dill on Spinach alongside a colorful mixed salad. Include ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and sliced bell peppers, along with your favorite vinaigrette.
  • If you’re in the mood for an Italian-inspired twist, try serving Baked Cod with Tomatoes & Spinach over a bed of freshly cooked pasta. Opt for whole grain or legume-based pasta for added nutrients.

To enhance the presentation and flavors, garnish your cod and spinach dish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley, dill, or cilantro. Adding a twist of lemon or a drizzle of quality olive oil just before serving can help elevate the taste even further.

Take a peek at our favorite salad recipes and savor a meal that’s both healthful and delectable.

Lastly, don’t forget to pair your meal with a refreshing beverage. A crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio, complements the delicate flavors of cod and spinach nicely. For a non-alcoholic option, consider sparkling water with a splash of lemon or lime juice.

Cod is a beloved staple in the culinary culture of Spain! If you’re curious about how to cook it, you simply must try our delicious cod and tomato recipe, the mouth-watering cod pil pil recipe, or the scrumptious Spanish cod and potatoes recipe

Bacalao con espinacas top view

How can I tell when my fish is done cooking?

The best way to tell if your cod is cooked through is to insert a fork or knife into the thickest part of the fish. The meat should be opaque and flake easily when pierced.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can easily make this cod and spinach recipe ahead of time. The night before, separate the cod fillets into individual portions and marinate them using your desired seasonings. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight.

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Place the cod and spinach on a baking sheet, season with salt and pepper (and any other desired seasonings), then bake for 15-20 minutes until the fish is cooked through.

In conclusion, this cod and spinach recipe is a simple and nutritious meal idea that can be easily prepared quickly. It’s a great way to add more greens and protein to your diet without sacrificing flavor. 

If you’re concerned about cost or time effectiveness, cod and spinach can be prepared in a snap, giving you lots of energy for the day ahead! Have some fun putting your own twist on this recipe by experimenting with different seasonings or adding ingredients like fresh herbs. Whether you have guests over or just need a quick meal for one, this simple yet nutritious meal will surely please everyone’s palates!

By using fresh ingredients and minimal seasoning, this dish allows the natural flavors of the fish and spinach to shine through. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a healthy and delicious meal tonight!

If you’re craving more delectable tastes for your palate, you absolutely must take a look at our collection of 34 tantalizing Spanish fish recipes. Trust us; your taste buds will thank you!

Bacalao con espinacas close up shot
best Bacalao con espinacas recipe by the Mediterranean fork

Cod and Spinach Recipe

Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote
This simple cod and spinach recipe packs a punch with delicious flavor and essential nutrition. Find out how you can make this meal in your kitchen today!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Spanish

Equipment

  • Pots
  • Kitchen towels
  • Non-stick skillet
  • Spoons and knives

Ingredients

  • 2-3 cod around 500 g
  • Sea salt
  • pepper
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves thinly sliced
  • 600 g spinach
  • 50 g pine nuts
  • 80 g raisins
  • Fresh Parsley

Nutrition

Calories: 2674kcal | Carbohydrates: 93g | Protein: 347g | Fat: 103g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 28g | Monounsaturated Fat: 51g | Cholesterol: 774mg | Sodium: 1472mg | Potassium: 11765mg | Fiber: 21g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 56997IU | Vitamin C: 193mg | Calcium: 924mg | Iron: 28mg
Servings: 2
Calories: 2674kcal

Notes

  • Cook the garlic just until golden brown; if it gets burned, it will give a bitter taste to the oil.
  • Always stir the spinach while cooking; they will get soft and bright green just with the heat of the skillet; there’s no need to add more liquid.

Instructions

  • Clean the cod filets and pat them dry with paper towels—season with salt and pepper.
  • Place the filet's skin side down and let them cook for about 5 minutes on each side; reserve.
  • In the same oil, add the garlic cloves and let them cook for a couple of minutes, just until golden brown. Remove and reserve.
  • Add the spinach and let them cook until wilted – just until they are bright green.
  • Add the raisins and pine nuts and season with salt and pepper.
  • Serve the cod over the spinach and top with the garlic and fresh parsley.
KEYWORD: cod and spinach recipe
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We are Cat on Table, a food photography and videography studio focused on the ideation, production and editing of food content. We are a family based studio and our main goal is to tell stories through powerful food images and videos. I'm Alejandra de la Torre, head photographer and videographer, and together with our team - Miren Michelena, recipe development and production, Javier Camacho Miranda, post-production and editing, and Julio de la Torre, photography - we focus on bringing recipes to life!