Name: Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 white fish fillets (such as cod, halibut, or tilapia, about 6 oz each); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 lemon (zested and sliced); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved); 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced); 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and halved); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped); Optional: crumbled feta cheese for topping

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This Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe is the embodiment of healthy comfort food—beautiful flaky fillets nestled in a colorful medley of tomatoes, olives, and herbs, all infused with zesty lemon and warm spices. It’s one of those dishes that feels both luxurious and effortless, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed gathering with friends. With just one pan and a handful of Mediterranean ingredients, it’s an invitation to savor bold flavors without any fuss.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe lies in its straightforward yet vibrant ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, from the succulent fish to the punchy olives, bringing a burst of flavor, texture, and color to every bite.

White fish fillets: Choose cod, halibut, or tilapia for their mild taste and flaky texture that soaks up all the seasonings beautifully.
Olive oil: Extra-virgin olive oil creates a luscious base and helps keep the fish juicy as it bakes.
Lemon (zested and sliced): The zest adds a sunny brightness while the slices infuse the dish with tangy aroma and visual flair.
Dried oregano: This Mediterranean classic adds a savory, earthy touch that is essential for authentic flavor.
Paprika: A sprinkle of paprika introduces gentle warmth and vibrant color.
Salt and black pepper: These pantry staples ensure all the fresh flavors are perfectly highlighted.
Cherry tomatoes (halved): They roast into sweet, jammy morsels, providing bursts of juiciness in every forkful.
Red onion (thinly sliced): Adds sharpness and mellow sweetness as it bakes alongside the other ingredients.
Kalamata olives: Their briny punch balances the richness of the fish and depth of the vegetables.
Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the whole dish with aromatic complexity as it bakes.
Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley offers a burst of freshness right before serving.
Crumbled feta cheese (optional): A final sprinkle of feta gives a salty, creamy contrast for the ultimate Mediterranean finish.

How to Make Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven warms up, lightly grease a baking dish large enough to fit all the fish fillets in a single layer. This bit of prep ensures nothing sticks and makes clean-up a breeze, so you can focus on the flavors ahead.

Step 2: Season the Fish

Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to help the seasonings adhere and promote caramelization as they bake. Arrange the fillets in the dish, then drizzle olive oil over the top. Next, sprinkle on the lemon zest, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Each of these seasonings adds a unique dimension, transforming simple fish into the heart of this Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe.

Step 3: Build Flavor with Vegetables and Aromatics

In a medium bowl, toss together the halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, and minced garlic. This mixture is the secret to a colorful, flavor-packed bake. Scatter it generously over and around your fish fillets, ensuring every bite will be infused with that magical Mediterranean combination.

Step 4: Finish with Lemon Slices and Bake

Lay the lemon slices across the top of the fish fillets to infuse them with even more citrusy freshness as they cook. Slide the dish into your hot oven and bake for 15–20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the fish flakes easily with a fork and the tomatoes have softened into saucy perfection.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, shower the dish with plenty of chopped fresh parsley and, if you like, a generous handful of crumbled feta cheese. This final touch brings brightness, color, and a gentle saltiness that ties everything together in true Mediterranean fashion.

How to Serve Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe

Garnishes

This dish looks beautiful straight from the oven, but a fresh garnish really makes it pop. A sprinkle of parsley adds vibrant green, while optional crumbled feta introduces creamy, tangy notes. For a little extra zing, try a few fresh lemon wedges on the side for squeezing just before serving.

Side Dishes

The Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up its savory sauce. Fluffy rice, airy couscous, or a hunk of warm crusty bread all work beautifully. If you’re keeping it light, try a crisp salad with arugula and cucumber—it’s a lovely, refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party or special occasion, serve the fish fillets atop a bed of couscous studded with herbs, or alongside roasted baby potatoes for a heartier meal. If you want to go tapas-style, flake the fish and spoon everything onto toasted bread rounds for a gorgeous appetizer platter that highlights all the best parts of the Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making it even more irresistible for lunch the next day.

Freezing

While this recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftover fish for up to one month. Let the fish and vegetables cool completely, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or sealed container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat the Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe gently in a 300°F oven until just warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the fish rubbery and the vegetables mushy. Add a splash of water or olive oil if needed to keep everything moist.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! This recipe works with any mild white fish, such as haddock or grouper. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as thinner fillets may cook a little faster.

Is the Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as written, the dish is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure any sides you serve—like bread or couscous—are gluten-free if needed for your meal.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the tomato, olive, and onion mixture ahead, and even season the fish up to a day in advance. When ready to eat, simply assemble and bake for a fuss-free meal.

What other vegetables could I add?

This recipe is super versatile! Try adding sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or artichoke hearts for more color and Mediterranean flavor.

How do I know when the fish is done?

The best indicator is when the fish flakes easily with a fork. It should be opaque all the way through and no longer look translucent in the thickest part.

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe is simply the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again—vibrant, balanced, and irresistibly delicious. Give it a spot in your weeknight rotation or serve it for a special occasion, and you’ll see just how easy it is to bring the magic of Mediterranean cooking to your table. Bon appétit!

Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Mediterranean Baked Fish recipe is a delightful combination of white fish fillets, cherry tomatoes, olives, and aromatic herbs, all baked to perfection. A healthy and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish:

4 white fish fillets (such as cod, halibut, or tilapia, about 6 oz each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon (zested and sliced)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste

Tomato Mixture:

1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
1/2 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and halved)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
Optional: crumbled feta cheese for topping

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare fish: Pat the fish fillets dry and place in a lightly greased baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, lemon zest, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Make tomato mixture: In a bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, and garlic. Spread the mixture around and on top of the fish. Add lemon slices.
Bake: Bake for 15–20 minutes until fish flakes easily. Garnish with parsley and feta before serving.