Ingredients
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients—freshness really shines through here. When I shop for the fish, I always look for firm fillets with a mild scent, usually cod or snapper works beautifully. Fresh herbs like parsley and oregano add that authentic Mediterranean touch, and I never skip the lemon—it brightens every bite. Over the years, I’ve learned that simple, quality ingredients make all the difference, especially when time is tight.
- 4 firm white fish fillets (cod, snapper, or halibut), about 6 ounces each
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced plus juice of half a lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
If you want to switch things up, feel free to substitute kale or spinach for the cherry tomatoes for a green twist or swap olives for capers to add more briny depth.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels—this helps the seasoning stick and gives a better texture.
- Place the fillets in the baking dish, spacing them evenly.
- Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the fish, then sprinkle minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper evenly on top.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and lemon slices around and on top of the fish.
- Pour the lemon juice over everything, then sprinkle with chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little kick.
- Bake uncovered for 15-18 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Whenever I bake fish, I always keep a close eye on it after the 12-minute mark—nothing worse than overcooked, dry fish in my family’s opinion!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Mediterranean Baked Fish, recipe, cooking, food
