Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe
Mediterranean Baked Fish combines tender white fish fillets with a flavorful blend of fresh herbs, garlic, and citrus, baked alongside juicy cherry tomatoes and olives for a light, healthy, and vibrant meal that bursts with Mediterranean flavors.
- Author: Natalie
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Fish and Marinade
- 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
Vegetables
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup Pitted Olives
- Prepare Herb Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped thyme, rosemary, dried oregano, parsley, optional basil, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to blend all the herbs and seasonings.
- Create Marinade: To the herb and garlic mixture, add fresh lemon juice and sweet chilli sauce. Then pour in the extra virgin olive oil. Whisk vigorously until the mixture emulsifies into a cohesive marinade.
- Marinate Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place them in a shallow baking dish. Spoon half of the marinade over the fish, coating all sides thoroughly. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 15 to 30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate.
- Preheat Oven and Arrange Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes and pitted olives evenly around the marinated fish in the baking dish. Drizzle the remaining marinade over the fish and vegetables to enhance flavor during baking.
- Bake the Fish: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 18 minutes or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. To ensure doneness, check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Once baked, let the fish rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Choose firm white fish fillets such as cod, snapper, or sea bass for best results.
- Marinating the fish helps infuse it with herbs and enhances moisture retention.
- If you prefer less heat, adjust or omit the sweet chilli sauce.
- Serve with crusty bread or a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible for a more vibrant flavor.
Keywords: Mediterranean baked fish, herb marinated fish, healthy fish recipe, baked cod recipe, baked snapper, easy fish dinner, olive and tomato fish bake