Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe

If you’re craving something light, vibrant, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, look no further than this Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that transforms humble white fish fillets into a colorful feast with juicy tomatoes, briny olives, zippy lemon, and creamy feta, all in under 30 minutes! Whether you’re new to Mediterranean cooking or it’s your go-to, this recipe is guaranteed to earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation.

Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple, fresh ingredients—each one playing a key role in delivering bold flavors and irresistible color to your plate. Here are the essentials that make this Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe truly special:

  • White fish fillets: Choose cod, halibut, or tilapia for tender, flaky results that soak up every aromatic note.
  • Olive oil: Rich Mediterranean olive oil gently coats the fish, locking in moisture and infusing flavor.
  • Lemon juice: A punch of fresh lemon juice brightens every bite and balances the savory elements.
  • Dried oregano: Earthy oregano evokes classic Mediterranean aromas and depth.
  • Paprika: Smoky-sweet paprika adds warmth and a lovely blush color to the dish.
  • Salt: Helps enhance all the flavors while seasoning the fish to perfection.
  • Black pepper: A subtle touch of pepper adds just the right hint of heat.
  • Garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic gives a fragrant kick that ties the marinade together.
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved: Juicy tomatoes add sweet-tart bursts of color and flavor as they roast.
  • Kalamata olives, pitted and halved: These olives bring briny depth and a classic Mediterranean character.
  • Red onion, thinly sliced: The mellow bite of red onion roasting in the oven is unbeatable.
  • Crumbled feta cheese: Sprinkled at the end, feta offers creamy, tangy contrast with each forkful.
  • Chopped fresh parsley: A finish of vibrant green parsley perks up the whole dish with freshness.
  • Lemon wedges for serving: Extra zing to squeeze over your Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe just before devouring!

How to Make Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and giving your baking dish a light grease with olive oil or nonstick spray. Laying this foundation helps prevent the fish from sticking and ensures easy cleanup, so you can focus on the fun part—flavor!

Step 2: Arrange the Fish Fillets

Pat your white fish fillets dry with paper towels (this helps them bake evenly), then snuggle them into your baking dish in a single layer. Creating flat, exposed surfaces lets that delicious marinade coat each fillet perfectly.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk up the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, smoky paprika, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. This easy but punchy mixture is the secret behind the unmistakable Mediterranean vibe in our Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe.

Step 4: Dress the Fish

Pour the marinade generously and evenly over the fish fillets. Use a brush or the back of a spoon to ensure every fillet is lightly coated—let that herbaceous, garlicky goodness sink in!

Step 5: Add Veggies and Bake

Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and thinly sliced red onion around and on top of the fillets. The bright veggies not only look stunning but also roast into sweet, savory perfection alongside the fish. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 6: Finish with Feta and Parsley

As soon as you remove your fragrant masterpiece from the oven, sprinkle over crumbled feta and freshly chopped parsley. The feta softens slightly in the warm pan, while parsley adds a fresh finish that ties together all the vibrant flavors of this Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe. Serve right away with lemon wedges for that final citrusy flourish!

How to Serve Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe

Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A dish this lively deserves a finishing touch. Scatter on a bit more crumbled feta for extra creaminess and a shower of fresh parsley or even dill for fragrance and color. And don’t forget those lemon wedges—just a squeeze can awaken every flavor on your plate!

Side Dishes

The best sides to accompany your Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe are light and fresh, letting that stellar fish shine. Fluffy couscous, herbed quinoa, a warm crusty bread, or a simple green salad with a drizzle of olive oil all complement these flavors beautifully. You might also try roasted potatoes or a tangy tabbouleh for even more Mediterranean flair.

Creative Ways to Present

For easy entertaining, serve directly from the baking dish at the table for a relaxed, rustic vibe. Or, plate individual fillets with a tumble of roasted veggies and a wedge of lemon for a restaurant-worthy appearance. Feeling extra festive? Spoon the fish and veggies onto flatbreads or pile high on greens for an elegant salad entrée.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors only seem to deepen overnight, making lunch the next day a serious treat.

Freezing

While this Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe is best when freshly made, you can freeze any leftover cooked fish for up to one month. Freeze in a single layer or with parchment between fillets to prevent sticking. Note: the veggies may soften more upon thawing, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your leftover fish in a 325°F oven, covered loosely with foil, until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible; a gentle reheat helps maintain the delicate texture and prevents the fish from drying out.

FAQs

What types of fish work best in this recipe?

This recipe shines with any firm, mild white fish—think cod, halibut, tilapia, or even sea bass. The marinade perfectly complements their gentle flavor and ensures juicy, tender results every time.

Can I make Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe ahead of time?

You can absolutely assemble the dish (including the marinade and veggies) a couple hours before baking—just keep it covered in the fridge. For even more flavor, let the fish marinate in the olive oil mixture up to 30 minutes before assembling and baking.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes! It reheats beautifully and keeps for up to 2 days in the fridge. Pair it with veggies, grain bowls, or salads for a flavorful weekday lunch you’ll look forward to.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Simply skip the feta cheese or swap in a dairy-free cheese crumble. The dish will still be packed with bright, Mediterranean flavors thanks to the herbs, lemon, and veggies.

How do I know when the fish is cooked through?

Your fillets are done when they become opaque and flake easily with the tip of a fork. The average baking time is 15–18 minutes, but thinner fillets may need a little less, so keep a close eye for perfect results.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to bring a taste of sunshine and sea air to your dinner table, this Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe is pure Mediterranean joy in every bite. It’s quick enough for a weeknight yet special enough for company—so give it a try and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible aromas of the coast!

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Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe

Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe


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4.9 from 23 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

This Mediterranean Baked Fish recipe is a flavorful and healthy dish that features white fish fillets baked with a medley of Mediterranean ingredients. The fish is tender, flaky, and bursting with vibrant flavors from olives, tomatoes, and feta cheese.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Fish:

  • 4 white fish fillets (such as cod, halibut, or tilapia, about 6 oz each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

For Topping:

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. Prepare the Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry and place them in the dish.
  3. Mix the Seasonings: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic. Pour over the fish.
  4. Add Toppings: Scatter tomatoes, olives, and red onion around and over the fillets.
  5. Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until fish flakes easily.
  6. Finish: Sprinkle with feta cheese and parsley. Serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

  • This dish pairs well with couscous, quinoa, or a simple green salad.
  • Use any firm white fish you prefer.
  • For added flavor, marinate the fish in the olive oil mixture for 30 minutes before baking.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 fillet
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

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