Name: Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean

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If you’re after a dinner that’s as stunning on the table as it is simple to prepare, Mediterranean Baked Fish is your golden ticket. This dish practically sings with sunny, zesty flavors—think flaky white fish nestled in a vibrant mix of cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and fragrant herbs, all kissed by olive oil and a pop of lemon. Quick enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough for guests, it captures the spirit of Mediterranean cooking: fresh ingredients, effortless preparation, and big, beautiful flavor in every bite.

Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the secrets to a memorable Mediterranean Baked Fish lies in the quality and color of its ingredients. Each element adds its own character, and together they create a dish that’s lively and full of personality. Here’s what you’ll need—plus a little tip for each to make your dinner shine.

White Fish Fillets: Choose firm, mild types like cod, halibut, or tilapia; they soak up all the Mediterranean flavors and flake perfectly when baked.
Olive Oil: Use extra-virgin for its rich, fruity taste; it brings together all the ingredients and keeps the fish incredibly moist.
Lemon (zest and juice): Fresh lemon brightens the whole dish; zest adds extra zing, so don’t skip it!
Garlic Cloves, Minced: Garlic infuses everything with warmth and that irresistible aroma characteristic of Mediterranean cuisine.
Dried Oregano: Adds classic herbal notes for that unmistakable Mediterranean essence—crush it between your fingers to release more flavor.
Smoked Paprika: This ingredient packs a subtle smokiness and turns everything a lovely sunset hue.
Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings, but so important for coaxing out the best in the fish and veggies.
Cherry Tomatoes, Halved: Sweet and juicy, they burst into little flavor bombs in the oven—plus they look gorgeous on the plate.
Kalamata Olives, Pitted and Halved: Their briny depth ties the whole dish together and gives those signature Mediterranean hits.
Red Onion, Thinly Sliced: Offers a bit of bite and beautiful color; slice it thin so it softens quickly while baking.
Fresh Parsley, Chopped: A sprinkle just before serving brings freshness and vibrant green appeal.
Lemon Wedges for Serving: Squeeze a wedge or two over the top for an extra pop of tang right at the table.

How to Make Mediterranean Baked Fish

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start out by preheating your oven to 400°F. While it comes up to temperature, grab a baking dish just large enough to fit your fillets in a single layer—this ensures everything cooks evenly. Give it a quick brush or spritz of olive oil so the fish won’t stick and cleanup is a breeze.

Step 2: Mix Up the Zesty Marinade

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and a good pinch each of salt and black pepper. Whisk that together until you’ve got a vibrant, aromatic marinade. This is where all that Mediterranean magic starts!

Step 3: Dress the Fish

Nestle your white fish fillets into the prepared baking dish. Spoon or brush the marinade generously over each piece—get into all the nooks and crannies so every bite is full of flavor. You want the fish well coated, as this mixture keeps it moist and seasons it deeply as it bakes.

Step 4: Add Veggies for Color and Texture

Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and thinly sliced red onion around the fish. The veggies not only add gorgeous pops of color but also roast alongside the fish, soaking up all those juices and making every forkful irresistible.

Step 5: Bake to Tender Perfection

Slide the dish into your hot oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 18 minutes. The fish should turn opaque and flake easily with a fork. If your fillets are on the thinner side, check a minute or two early; thicker fillets may need another minute. Pay attention—overbaked fish can quickly become dry.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Parsley and Serve

As soon as the fish comes out, grab a handful of chopped fresh parsley and sprinkle it all over. Serve the Mediterranean Baked Fish warm, straight from the dish, with lemon wedges on the side for guests to add as they wish.

How to Serve Mediterranean Baked Fish

Garnishes

Garnish is where you can make the dish really your own. A shower of fresh parsley is a must, but don’t stop there! Extra lemon wedges are perfect for a last-minute, citrusy burst. For extra flair, add a pinch of flaky sea salt or a scatter of crumbled feta cheese if you like a richer finish.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, serve Mediterranean Baked Fish with fluffy couscous, simple rice, or a crisp green salad — all let the fish shine while soaking up those delicious juices. Roasted potatoes or a side of steamed veggies also pair beautifully and keep the whole dinner feeling light.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic, family-style vibe, bring the baking dish right to the table and let everyone dig in. Or, for something a bit more special, plate each fillet atop a swirl of hummus or a bed of grains. Arranging the vegetables artfully over the fish and topping with a few extra parsley leaves adds a restaurant-worthy touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mediterranean Baked Fish keeps well in the fridge for up to two days. Transfer cooled fish and veggies into an airtight container to preserve the freshness and flavors. It’s perfect cold for a healthy lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked fillets, though their texture will be slightly softer after thawing. Pack pieces individually with some of the cooked veggies and juices to help them stay moist, then freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, place the fish and vegetables in a covered oven-safe dish and warm at 325°F until just heated through, about 10 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch but do it gently at half power to avoid drying out the fish.

FAQs

What types of fish work best for Mediterranean Baked Fish?

Firm, mild white fish like cod, halibut, or tilapia are ideal for Mediterranean Baked Fish. You want something that bakes evenly and can absorb all the zesty marinade, but feel free to try other varieties like haddock or sea bass if you prefer!

Can I add extra vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Mediterranean Baked Fish is wonderfully flexible—add bell peppers, zucchini, or thin slices of fennel to the baking dish and adjust the cook time only slightly depending on the veggies’ thickness. It’s a fantastic way to use what’s in season.

Is this dish suitable for special diets?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Simply double-check your additions like cheese or store-bought spices, and you’ll have a Mediterranean Baked Fish that suits most dietary needs.

How do I know when the fish is done baking?

The fish is ready when it easily flakes with a fork and is completely opaque in the center. Don’t hesitate to check a fillet a minute or two before the timer ends, as fish can go from perfect to overdone quickly.

Can I prep the dish in advance?

You can assemble the fish, veggies, and marinade up to a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. When ready to bake, let the dish sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes while the oven preheats, then bake as usual—it’s a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy evenings.

Final Thoughts

Give Mediterranean Baked Fish a try the next time you crave something fresh, wholesome, and full of flavor. It’s one of those magical recipes that feels as good as it tastes, and it just might find its way onto your regular dinner rotation. Happy cooking!

Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 28 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Mediterranean Baked Fish recipe is a flavorful and healthy dish featuring tender white fish fillets baked with a zesty lemon and herb mixture, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and red onions. It’s a quick and easy main course bursting with Mediterranean flavors.

Ingredients

White Fish Fillets:

4 fillets (such as cod, halibut, or tilapia)

Olive Oil:

2 tablespoons

Lemon (Zest and Juice):

Garlic Cloves, minced:

Dried Oregano:

1 teaspoon

Smoked Paprika:

1/2 teaspoon

Salt and Black Pepper:

To taste

Cherry Tomatoes, halved:

1 cup

Kalamata Olives, pitted and halved:

1/3 cup

Red Onion, thinly sliced:

1/4 cup

Chopped Fresh Parsley:

2 tablespoons

Lemon Wedges for serving

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
Mix the seasonings: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Coat the fish: Place the fish fillets in the baking dish and coat them with the seasoning mixture.
Add veggies: Scatter cherry tomatoes, olives, and red onion around the fish.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 15–18 minutes until the fish is cooked through.
Finish and serve: Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm with lemon wedges.