Description
This Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish recipe features tender white fish fillets baked with a bright and flavorful blend of lemon, garlic, oregano, paprika, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives. It’s a simple, healthy, and delicious meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive yet easy Mediterranean-inspired main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Marinade
- 4 white fish fillets (such as cod, halibut, or tilapia)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables and Garnish
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ½ cup Kalamata olives (pitted and halved)
- ¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for baking the fish perfectly.
- Prepare the Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then place them in a lightly greased baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, optional crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Coat the Fish: Pour the marinade evenly over the fish fillets, making sure each piece is well-coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Add the Vegetables: Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and thinly sliced red onion around the fish in the baking dish to roast alongside it and infuse the dish with Mediterranean flavors.
- Bake the Fish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through, indicating it’s tender and done.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the fish from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- This dish pairs wonderfully with couscous, fluffy rice, or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Use firm white fish fillets like cod or halibut to keep the texture sturdy during baking.
- For extra Mediterranean flavor, consider adding capers or artichoke hearts to the baking dish.
