Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a fast, vibrant dinner that tastes like it came straight out of a sunny Mediterranean kitchen, let me introduce you to my Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish. This recipe is a one-pan wonder packed with bright herbs, juicy veggies, and tender, flaky fish—and you won’t believe how effortless it is to bring all those Mediterranean flavors to your table!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready for a Mediterranean escape with just a handful of essential ingredients! Each one brings its own unique flair—think fragrant herbs for depth, a fresh lemony zing, and a rainbow of veggies for glorious color and texture. Simple, everyday kitchen staples never felt so special!

• White Fish Fillets (2): Choose a firm, mild variety like cod, haddock, or tilapia—a perfect canvas for Mediterranean zest.
• Fresh Thyme (6 sprigs) & Rosemary (3 sprigs), chopped: These aromatic herbs infuse the fish and veggies with bold, earthy flavor.
• Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): Oregano brings a classic Mediterranean essence that ties all the elements together.
• Parsley (2 teaspoons, chopped or dried): Adds a fresh, slightly peppery finish and a pop of green.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): For irresistible, savory depth—feel free to use garlic paste for ease.
• Basil (1 teaspoon, chopped; optional): A touch of sweet basil gives extra freshness if you have it handy!
• Lemon Zest (1 teaspoon) & Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): These brighten everything up and keep the fish extra tender.
• Sweet Chilli Sauce (1 tablespoon): For a subtle, balanced heat and luscious glaze—don’t skip this!
• Salt (½ teaspoon) & Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): The fundamentals—season boldly for the best results.
• Olive Oil (¼ cup): The liquid gold that marries all the flavors and ensures delicious moisture.
• Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup): They roast into juicy bursts that complement the fish perfectly.
• Olives (½ cup, pitted): Adds briny intensity and fabulous Mediterranean flair.
• Onion (1 medium, diced): For a touch of sweetness and texture.
• Zucchini (1, diced): Roasts to tender perfection and adds extra veggie power.

Variations

One of the joys of Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish is how beautifully it adapts to what you have on hand, your favorite flavors, or specific dietary needs. Let these ideas inspire you to make it uniquely yours every time you bake it!

• Try Different Fish: Swap in salmon, snapper, or even shrimp for a delightful twist that works with the same bold marinade.
• Add More Veggies: Bell peppers, eggplant, or artichoke hearts are lovely roasted alongside the fish—don’t be afraid to clean out your fridge!
• Make It Spicier: Toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a handful of sliced chili for an extra kick, if you love heat.
• Herb Lovers’ Dream: Experiment with dill, tarragon, or mint for a fresh personality and new flavor profile.

How to Make Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly greasing a baking dish with a drizzle of olive oil or lining it with parchment paper. This ensures your Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish won’t stick and promises hassle-free cleanup later—always a win!

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine all the herbs, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, sweet chilli sauce, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Whisk together until the marinade is beautifully blended and fragrant. This is the heart and soul of those Mediterranean flavors!

Step 3: Marinate the Fish

Generously rub the marinade all over both sides of your fish fillets, massaging the flavor deep into every nook and cranny. Save about half a tablespoon of the marinade for the veggies—trust me, it makes a difference!

Step 4: Toss the Veggies

Add your cherry tomatoes, pitted olives, diced onion, and zucchini into the bowl with the reserved marinade. Stir until all the vegetables are glistening and well coated—this little extra guarantees your veggies are as flavorful as your fish.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Spread the marinated veggies in the baking dish, then gently lay the fish fillets on top. Don’t waste any marinade—scrape out every last drop and spoon it over the fish for maximum flavor! Slide the dish into the middle rack of your oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until your fish flakes easily with a fork or reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let your Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish rest for about five minutes once it comes out of the oven—this helps all those beautiful juices settle. Then, serve straight from the dish and get ready for the oohs and aahs!

How to Serve Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish

Garnishes

Give your Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish a final flourish with a shower of chopped fresh parsley, basil ribbons, or a few extra sprigs of thyme and rosemary. A quick squeeze of fresh lemon not only wakes up the flavors, but looks beautiful glistening over the top of the finished dish.

Side Dishes

This baked fish is completely satisfying on its own, but if you’d like to turn dinner into a full Mediterranean feast, serve it alongside fluffy couscous, herbed quinoa, warm pita, or a crisp green salad. Roasted potatoes or a tangy tabbouleh also make wonderful companions to soak up all the savory pan juices!

Creative Ways to Present

For a casually elegant presentation, bring the whole baking dish right to the table—let everyone scoop out their portion with all the caramelized veggies. Or, plate each fillet on a bed of quinoa, scatter veggies on top, and finish with a swirl of herbed yogurt or tzatziki for a restaurant-worthy look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Be sure to tuck the veggies under the fish to keep everything moist, and enjoy a quick, flavor-packed lunch the next day!

Freezing

While freshly baked is best, you can freeze leftover fish and vegetables for up to a month. Wrap the fillets individually or store everything in a freezer-safe container—just know the veggies may soften more after thawing, but the flavors will still be there.

Reheating

To gently reheat Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish, place portions in a covered baking dish and warm at 300°F (150°C) until just heated through. You can also microwave briefly on low power, but covering with a damp paper towel helps keep everything moist and tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something special yet impossibly easy, I hope you’ll give Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish a spot at your next dinner. It’s the everyday kind of meal that feels like a tiny getaway with every bite—sunny, colorful, and loaded with flavor. Let me know how you make it your own!

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