If you’re craving something light, colorful, and incredibly fresh, this Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish is your ticket to a satisfying meal that’s as nutritious as it is impressive. Flaky white fish gets a quick marinade with olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs, then bakes alongside bursts of cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and crisp red onions. Ten minutes of prep and a single baking dish is all it takes for a dinner that transports you straight to a coastal villa. Whether you’re new to cooking fish or a seasoned home chef, this recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and bold flavors can create pure magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a few staple ingredients come together to make this dish truly sing. Each one plays an essential role, from the juicy tomatoes to the aromatic garlic and citrusy lemon, ensuring the final plate is packed with lively Mediterranean flavors and vibrant color.
- White fish fillets: Choose mild, flaky varieties like cod, halibut, or tilapia for a delicately textured base that soaks up all the bright flavors.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps unify all the seasonings for a smooth, silky sauce.
- Lemon (zested and juiced): Fresh citrus cuts through the oil and brightens up the whole dish beautifully.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Brings a savory depth and unmistakable Mediterranean aroma.
- Dried oregano: Gives the fish that signature herbal note you love in classic coastal recipes.
- Dried thyme: A pinch adds warmth and subtle earthiness.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out all the natural flavors from your fish and veggies.
- Black pepper: Lends gentle heat that ties everything together.
- Cherry tomatoes (halved): Their sweetness roasts into juicy little flavor bombs in the oven.
- Kalamata olives (pitted and sliced): Salty and briny, they round out the Mediterranean flavor profile perfectly.
- Red onion (thinly sliced): Adds a little bite and gorgeous color to every forkful.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): A final sprinkle for color and freshness that wakes up the entire dish.
How to Make Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease your baking dish with olive oil. A quick swipe ensures your fish won’t stick and lets the flavors circulate beautifully. This small but important step makes for easy cleanup and gorgeous presentation later on.
Step 2: Arrange the Fish Fillets
Pat your fish fillets dry with paper towels, then nestle them into the baking dish in a single layer. Drying the fillets helps the marinade stick and ensures they cook up nice and flaky, not watery. No overlapping—give them a little breathing room so every piece bakes evenly.
Step 3: Mix the Mediterranean Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. This mixture is the heart of Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish—zesty, herby, and so inviting. Pour it evenly over the fish, using a spoon to make sure every corner is coated. You’ll instantly smell the fresh, appetizing aroma.
Step 4: Add the Colorful Veggie Toppers
Toss the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, and thinly sliced red onion around and over the fish. These little gems roast as the fish bakes, releasing juice and flavor into every bite. The colors alone will get your mouth watering!
Step 5: Bake to Tender, Flaky Perfection
Slide your baking dish into the oven and let it work its magic for 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the fish flakes easily with a fork and the veggies look caramelized and juicy. That irresistible aroma means dinner is just about served.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Parsley
As soon as your Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish comes out of the oven, sprinkle over a shower of chopped fresh parsley. This simple addition brings a burst of freshness and the perfect pop of color to make your meal look (and taste) straight from a sun-kissed seaside bistro.
How to Serve Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish
Garnishes
Garnish each serving with an extra squeeze of lemon, a handful of fresh parsley, or even a few chopped capers for a punchier finish. A drizzle of fruity olive oil on top just before serving never hurts, and it catches the light beautifully when you set the plate on the table.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, spoon the fish and its fragrant juices over fluffy couscous, delicate rice, or mop it all up with slices of warm, crusty bread. Even a simple mixed greens salad pairs perfectly, soaking up every bit of those mouthwatering Mediterranean flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish family-style straight from the baking dish for a charming, rustic effect, or plate each fillet individually with a colorful nest of roasted veggies on top. For a dinner party, try tucking a few extra olives and tomatoes onto each plate and finish with lemon zest curls for that wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftover Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish, simply transfer it (with all the roasted veggies and pan juices) into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 2 days, making it a quick and delicious option for lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
Freezing is definitely possible with this dish! Once cooled, portion the fish and veggies into freezer-safe containers. While the texture of the tomatoes may soften after thawing, the flavors will still shine through. Enjoy within one month for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish without drying it out, gently warm covered portions in a 300°F oven, or use a microwave on low power in 30-second bursts. Just until heated through—you want the fish moist and tender, not overcooked. Add a fresh squeeze of lemon after reheating for the best flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While cod, halibut, and tilapia are classic choices for Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish, feel free to experiment with salmon or trout. The marinade and veggie topping pair wonderfully with most mild fish fillets.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish is naturally gluten-free as written. Just be sure any sides (like bread) are gluten-free if needed, and you’ll have a completely safe meal for anyone avoiding gluten.
How can I add more vegetables to the dish?
Simply toss in a handful of baby spinach, artichoke hearts, or even thin-sliced zucchini along with the tomatoes and olives. The extra veggies will soak up all that delicious marinade and roast beautifully alongside the fish.
What’s the best way to know when the fish is cooked?
The fillets are done when they flake easily with a fork and turn opaque in the center. If you’re using a thermometer, the internal temp should reach 145°F. Don’t overbake; tender, juicy fish is your goal!
Can I prepare Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish in advance?
You can assemble everything in the baking dish up to 6 hours ahead and refrigerate, then simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake. It’s a wonderful strategy for busy nights or when entertaining guests.
Final Thoughts
With its vibrant flavors, effortless prep, and endless adaptability, Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish is one recipe you’ll want in your weekly rotation. Next time you need a simple yet show-stopping dinner, give this a try and let every bite transport you to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean. Happy cooking!
Print
Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that combines white fish fillets with a medley of Mediterranean ingredients. Baked to perfection, this healthy and delicious meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the fish:
- 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
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the topping:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ½ cup Kalamata olives (pitted and sliced)
- ¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Prepare the fish: Pat the fish fillets dry and place them in the dish.
- Make the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the fish, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Add toppings: Scatter the cherry tomatoes, olives, and red onion around and over the fillets.
- Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Serve with rice, couscous, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
- You can substitute the white fish with salmon or trout.
- Add a handful of spinach or chopped artichokes for extra veggies.
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