Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe

Introduction

This easy Mediterranean baked fish is a flavorful and quick dish perfect for weeknight dinners. With fresh herbs, garlic, and tangy lemon, it brings vibrant flavors to tender fish fillets. Ideal for a healthy, satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 2 fish fillets (such as cod, halibut, or sea bass)
• 6 sprigs thyme, finely chopped
• 3 sprigs rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tsp chopped or dried parsley
• 4 garlic cloves, minced or chopped
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup pitted olives

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels and place them on a plate.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, sweet chili sauce, thyme, rosemary, oregano, parsley, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well mixed.
3. Step 3: Spoon about half of the marinade over both sides of the fish fillets, rubbing gently to coat. Place the halved cherry tomatoes and pitted olives in a medium bowl, drizzle with the remaining marinade, and toss to coat.
4. Step 4: Spread the marinated tomatoes and olives on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the marinated fish fillets on top of the vegetables.
5. Step 5: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque. The tomatoes should be softened and blistered.
6. Step 6: Let the fish rest for a minute or two before serving. Spoon the juices and vegetables over the fish. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Try using different firm white fish like snapper or tilapia for variety.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red chili flakes to the marinade.
• If fresh herbs are unavailable, substitute with equal amounts of dried herbs but reduce slightly to avoid overpowering the dish.
• Serve with crusty bread or over a bed of couscous or rice to soak up the flavorful juices.

Storage

Store leftover baked fish and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to prevent drying. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can also be flaked into salads or sandwiches the next day.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?

Yes, frozen fish fillets can be used. Thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating to ensure even cooking and good flavor absorption.

What can I substitute for sweet chili sauce?

If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, you can use a mixture of honey and a small amount of hot sauce or a mild chili paste to replicate the sweet and spicy flavor.

Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe

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4.7 from 133 reviews

This Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish recipe combines tender, flaky fish fillets with a flavorful medley of Mediterranean herbs, cherry tomatoes, olives, and a tangy sweet chili marinade. Perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner, this dish bakes in the oven to create a deliciously aromatic and vibrant meal packed with fresh herbs and bright lemon notes.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Fish and Marinade

• 2 Fish fillets (such as cod, halibut, or sea bass)
• 6 sprigs Thyme, finely chopped
• 3 sprigs Rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano
• 2 tsp Chopped or dried Parsley
• 4 Garlic cloves, minced or chopped
• 1 tsp Lemon zest
• 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon juice
• 1 tbsp Sweet chili sauce
• ½ tsp Salt
• ½ tsp Black pepper
• ¼ cup Olive oil

Vegetables and Garnish

• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup Pitted Olives
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Fish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the fish fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels and place them on a clean plate to prepare for marinating.
2. Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, sweet chili sauce, finely chopped thyme, rosemary, dried oregano, parsley, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Marinate Fish and Vegetables: Spoon about half of the marinade onto both sides of the fish fillets, gently rubbing them to ensure even coating. In a separate bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes and pitted olives, drizzle with the remaining marinade, and toss well to coat all the vegetables.
4. Assemble in Baking Dish: Spread the marinated cherry tomatoes and olives evenly across the bottom of a baking dish. Carefully place the marinated fish fillets on top of the vegetable layer for even cooking and flavor infusion.
5. Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork and appears opaque throughout. The cherry tomatoes should soften and develop a slightly blistered look.
6. Rest and Serve: Remove the fish from the oven and let it rest for 1 to 2 minutes. Serve by spooning the cooked juices and roasted vegetables over the fish fillets. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley to add a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Notes

• You can substitute the fish fillets with any firm white fish of your choice such as tilapia or snapper.
• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of sweet chili sauce or add a pinch of red chili flakes.
• If you prefer a gluten-free meal, ensure the sweet chili sauce used is certified gluten-free.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and lightly reheated.
• Serving suggestions include pairing with steamed rice, couscous, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

Keywords: Mediterranean baked fish, easy fish recipe, healthy fish dinner, baked cod, baked sea bass, oven baked fish, fish with olives and tomatoes, quick fish recipe