Name: Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 Fish fillets (cod, snapper, or sea bass); 6 sprigs Fresh Thyme, finely chopped; 3 sprigs Fresh Rosemary, finely chopped; 1 tsp Dried Oregano; 2 tsp Fresh Parsley, finely chopped; 4 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 tsp Fresh Basil, finely chopped (optional); 1 tsp Lemon Zest; 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice; 1 tbsp Sweet Chilli Sauce; ½ tsp Salt; ½ tsp Black Pepper, freshly ground; ¼ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil; 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved; ½ cup Pitted Olives

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Introduction

This Mediterranean Baked Fish is a flavorful and healthy dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Fresh herbs, garlic, and a touch of sweet chili combine to create a vibrant marinade that enhances tender fish fillets. Paired with juicy cherry tomatoes and olives, it’s a delightful taste of the Mediterranean you can easily make at home.

A white fish fillet with a crispy golden crust filled with green herbs sits in the middle of a shallow white bowl. The fish is topped with halved green and black olives and small roasted red cherry tomatoes. Around the fish, a yellow, herb-speckled oily sauce fills the bowl, mixing with extra cherry tomatoes and olives. The herbs sprinkled all over add green flecks, giving a fresh look to the dish. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 fish fillets (cod, snapper, or sea bass)
6 sprigs fresh thyme, finely chopped
3 sprigs fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh basil, finely chopped (optional)
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup pitted olives

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine finely chopped thyme, rosemary, dried oregano, parsley, optional basil, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix evenly.
Step 2: Add fresh lemon juice and sweet chilli sauce to the herb mixture. Pour in the extra virgin olive oil and whisk vigorously until the marinade is emulsified.
Step 3: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. Place them in a shallow baking dish and spoon half of the marinade over the fish, ensuring all sides are coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes.
Step 4: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes and pitted olives around the marinated fish in the baking dish. Drizzle the remaining marinade over both the fish and vegetables.
Step 5: Bake for 12 to 18 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Let the fish rest a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For best results, use fresh, firm fish fillets and adjust baking time based on thickness.
Swap sweet chilli sauce for harissa or smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.
Add sliced bell peppers or artichoke hearts to the baking dish for extra color and texture.
If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the garlic to 2 cloves and omit the chilli sauce.

Storage

Store any leftover baked fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) or in a microwave on low power to avoid drying out the fish. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can also be flaked over salads or mixed into pasta dishes the next day.

How to Serve

Inside a white oval dish, two whole fish fillets with crispy, golden-brown skin sit side by side, covered with green herbs and red pepper flakes. Surrounding the fish are roasted cherry tomatoes bursting with red color, large green and deep purple olives, and soft, caramelized yellow onion rings. Chunks of pale yellow garlic and a light layer of glistening olive oil fill the spaces, giving the dish a shiny, rich look. The edges of the dish show browned spots from roasting, and it rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fish fillets for this recipe?

Yes, frozen fish fillets can be used. Thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating to ensure the best texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs on hand?

You can substitute the fresh thyme, rosemary, parsley, and basil with dried herbs, but use about one-third of the fresh herb amounts since dried herbs are more concentrated. The flavor will be less vibrant but still delicious.