Name: Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe: An Unforgettable 30-Minute Meal
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or snapper); 1 lemon, sliced; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

Oh, Mediterranean food! Seriously, is there anything better? It’s like sunshine on a plate – healthy, fresh, and SO easy to throw together. That’s why I’m obsessed with this Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe. It’s my go-to for busy weeknights when I want something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

I actually stumbled upon this recipe years ago when I was trying to eat healthier. I was so tired of bland, boring dinners, and this just blew me away! It’s become a total family favorite. What I love most is that it uses super simple ingredients – things you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and works for tons of different diets. Trust me, you’re gonna love it!

Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe

Okay, so why *should* you make this Mediterranean baked fish recipe? Let me tell you – you’re gonna be hooked! It’s seriously the perfect weeknight meal, and here’s why:

Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal

Seriously, we’re talking minimal prep time here. You can have this on the table in under 30 minutes. Score!

Packed with Healthy Mediterranean Flavors

Hello, health benefits! This is loaded with good-for-you stuff. We’re talking lean protein, healthy fats, and tons of vitamins from those yummy veggies.

Simple Ingredients

No fancy ingredients here! You can find everything you need at your local grocery store – easy peasy.

One-Pan Cooking for Easy Cleanup

My favorite part? One pan! Less cleanup means more time to relax after dinner. Hallelujah!

Adaptable to Your Favorite Fish and Vegetables

Don’t be afraid to get creative! You can swap out the fish and veggies for whatever you have on hand. It’s totally customizable.

Ingredients for Your Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This Mediterranean baked fish recipe is all about fresh, simple flavors, so you’ll want to grab the best stuff you can find. Here’s what you need:

1.5 lbs white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or snapper are my faves! But honestly, use whatever looks good at the store).
1 lemon, sliced thinly (we’re talkin’ *thin*, people! You want those lemony flavors to really get in there).
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (the sweet little bursts of flavor are just amazing).
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved (I love Kalamata, but hey, use what you like!).
2 cloves garlic, minced (garlic makes everything better, right?).
2 tablespoons olive oil (good quality stuff! It makes a difference, trust me).
1 teaspoon dried oregano (smells like summer!).
1/2 teaspoon salt (seasoning is key!).
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is always best!).
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (don’t skip this! It adds a pop of color and freshness).

How to Prepare This Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, ready to get cooking? This Mediterranean baked fish recipe is seriously easy, I promise! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious and healthy dinner on the table in no time.

Preparing the Fish and Vegetables

First things first, let’s get that oven preheating! Crank it up to 400°F (200°C). You want it nice and hot before the fish goes in. Grab a baking dish – whatever you’ve got will work, just make sure it’s big enough to hold all the fish fillets without overcrowding them. Now, lay those beautiful fish fillets in the dish. Time to get those colorful veggies in there! Arrange the lemon slices, halved cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives all around the fish. Doesn’t it look pretty already?

Seasoning the Mediterranean Baked Fish

This is where the magic happens! In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This is your flavor bomb, so make sure it’s well combined. Now, drizzle that gorgeous mixture ALL over the fish and vegetables. Make sure everything gets a good coating. Don’t be shy!

Baking to Perfection

Alright, into the oven it goes! Bake for about 15-20 minutes. Now, this is important: the exact time will depend on how thick your fish fillets are. You’ll know it’s done when the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Don’t overbake it, or it’ll get dry! Nobody wants dry fish. If you’re not sure, start checking it around the 15-minute mark. Better to be safe than sorry, right?

Garnishing and Serving Your Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe

Almost there! Once the fish is cooked, carefully take the baking dish out of the oven (careful, it’s hot!). Sprinkle that chopped fresh parsley all over the top. It adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor that’s just amazing. And that’s it! Serve it up with your favorite sides (more on that later), and get ready to enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean!

Tips for the Best Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe

Want to take this Mediterranean baked fish recipe from good to *amazing*? Here are a few of my tried-and-true tips to help you nail it every time!

Choosing the Right Fish

Okay, so any white fish will work, but I definitely have my faves! Cod is always a solid choice – it’s mild and flaky. Haddock is also great. And if you’re feeling fancy, snapper is delicious! Just make sure it’s fresh, fresh, fresh! That makes all the difference.

Avoiding Overcooked Fish

This is HUGE. Overcooked fish is the worst, right? It gets dry and rubbery. Yuck! The key is to keep a close eye on it. Like I said before, start checking around the 15-minute mark. You want it to be opaque and flake easily with a fork. If it’s still translucent, give it a few more minutes. But seriously, don’t walk away!

Enhancing the Flavors

Don’t be afraid to play around with the flavors! A little extra oregano never hurt anyone. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick! Fresh herbs are always a win, too. Thyme or basil would be delicious in this Mediterranean baked fish recipe!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe

Okay, so sometimes you don’t have *exactly* what the recipe calls for, right? No worries! This Mediterranean baked fish recipe is super forgiving. Here are a few swaps you can make:

Olive Variations

Don’t have Kalamata olives? No sweat! Any kind of olive will work in this Mediterranean baked fish recipe. Black olives, green olives… go wild! Just make sure they’re pitted (unless you like surprises!).

Herb Substitutions

Out of oregano? Oops! Thyme or basil work great instead. I’d use the same amount – about a teaspoon. Fresh herbs? Even better! Just use a little more – like a tablespoon.

Citrus Options

No lemon? Lime or orange will totally work! They’ll give you a slightly different flavor, but it’ll still be delicious. I’d probably lean toward lime myself. Yum!

Serving Suggestions for Your Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Mediterranean baked fish recipe… now what do you serve with it? I’ve got you covered! Quinoa or couscous are always great options – they soak up all those yummy juices. Roasted vegetables are another winner – think zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant. Or, if you’re feeling lazy (no judgment!), a simple salad is perfect!

Storing and Reheating Your Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Mediterranean baked fish recipe is just as good the next day. Pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge – it’ll keep for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, the key is to do it gently so the fish doesn’t dry out. I usually zap it in the microwave for a minute or two, or you can reheat it in a low oven (like 300°F) until it’s warmed through. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe

Got questions about this Mediterranean baked fish recipe? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common things people ask:

Can I use frozen fish for this Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe?

Yep, you totally can! Just make sure you thaw it *completely* before you bake it. And pat it dry with paper towels – you don’t want any extra water diluting those delicious flavors!

How do I know when the Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe is done?

The fish should be opaque all the way through. And it should flake easily when you poke it with a fork. If it’s still kinda see-through, give it a few more minutes. But don’t overcook it!

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! That’s what’s so great about this Mediterranean baked fish recipe – it’s super versatile. Zucchini, bell peppers, onions… go for it! Just chop ’em up and toss ’em in with the tomatoes and olives.

Is this Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe gluten-free?

Yep! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, which is awesome. Just double-check the labels on your ingredients to be extra sure.

Can I prepare this Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe ahead of time?

You sure can! You can totally assemble the whole thing – fish, veggies, seasoning – and then just pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. But wait to bake it until right before you’re gonna eat. That way, the fish will be nice and fresh!

Nutritional Information for Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe

Okay, quick note: nutrition info can vary *a lot* depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use. So, this is just an estimate, not an exact thing, okay?

Enjoy Your Delicious Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe!

Alright, friends, go make this Mediterranean baked fish recipe! And if you love it as much as I do, leave a comment below! Or share it with your friends on social media – they’ll thank you for it!