o In a large baking dish, drizzle olive oil and spread the minced garlic evenly Recipe

If you’re craving a light yet vibrant dish that’s perfect for any night of the week, this Mediterranean Baked Fish recipe is about to become your new go-to. O In a large baking dish, drizzle olive oil and spread the minced garlic evenly—a simple phrase that unlocks the kind of flavor only Mediterranean cooking can deliver. In this dish, beautifully flaky fish fillets get nestled into a sea of juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, capers, and bright lemon slices, all gently scented with aromatic herbs. Each bake brings together a palette of colors and fragrances, making dinnertime both simple and spectacular!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Mediterranean Baked Fish lies in its simple ingredient list. Each component brings a layer of flavor, color, or texture that’s absolutely essential for building those sun-soaked Mediterranean vibes.

• Fish Fillets: Cod, sea bass, or snapper all work beautifully—choose your favorite white, flaky fish for best results.
• Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: The classic seasoning that brings everything together.
• Olive Oil: High-quality olive oil infuses every element with buttery richness—this is your flavor foundation.
• Garlic (minced): O In a large baking dish, drizzle olive oil and spread the minced garlic evenly—those tiny minced pieces mellow into sweet golden treasures as they bake.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Their bursty juiciness caramelizes beautifully in the oven, adding pops of sweetness and acidity.
• Black Olives (pitted & sliced): For that briny, earthy bite that screams Mediterranean coast.
• Capers (drained): Salty pearls that bring punches of brightness to every forkful.
• Lemon (thinly sliced): Layered right on top, the lemon infuses the whole dish with sunshine.
• Fresh Parsley & Basil (chopped): Herby finishers that make everything taste fresher and greener.
• Red Onion (thinly sliced): Adds gentle sweetness and color contrast—totally worth slicing thin.
• Fresh Dill (optional, for garnish): If you love that signature dill tang, sprinkle it on for extra flair.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For anyone who loves a gentle heat alongside all that Mediterranean freshness.

How to Make o In a large baking dish, drizzle olive oil and spread the minced garlic evenly

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first: set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to create that perfect bubbly, golden finish. This temperature ensures gentle cooking and prevents the fish from drying out.

Step 2: Season the Fish

Pat your fish fillets dry and sprinkle them with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. A well-seasoned base means every bite is full of flavor, right down to the last flake.

Step 3: o In a large baking dish, drizzle olive oil and spread the minced garlic evenly

This is where the magic starts! o In a large baking dish, drizzle olive oil and spread the minced garlic evenly, letting the oil coat the bottom and the garlic get ready to perfume the fish. Then, arrange your fish fillets comfortably in the dish, tuck them in like precious parcels, and scatter the cherry tomatoes, black olives, capers, and red onion all around and over the fish. Lay lemon slices right on top of each fillet—it looks gorgeous, and their juice soaks into every fillet as it bakes. If you like a little heat, now’s the time to sprinkle over those red pepper flakes!

Step 4: Bake the Fish

Drizzle a little more olive oil over the top—this helps everything roast to beautiful perfection. Slide the dish into the oven, uncovered, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Watch for the fish to become opaque and for it to flake easily with a fork; that’s your sign it’s perfectly cooked.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once your kitchen smells like a Mediterranean paradise, pull the baking dish out and finish everything with a shower of fresh chopped parsley, basil, and dill if you’re feeling fancy. Serve immediately—because this meal truly shines when it’s fresh and hot out of the oven, complete with those bubbling juices and roasted veggies.

How to Serve o In a large baking dish, drizzle olive oil and spread the minced garlic evenly

Garnishes

The finishing touches count here! Sprinkle on extra parsley or basil for a pop of color and fresh flavor right before serving. A dusting of lemon zest or a final slick of high-quality olive oil are small gestures that elevate o In a large baking dish, drizzle olive oil and spread the minced garlic evenly to restaurant-worthy presentation.

Side Dishes

Think Mediterranean simplicity: serve this with a chunk of crusty bread to mop up the lemony, olive-studded pan juices, or pair with fluffy white rice and a crisp green salad. Roasted potatoes or a herby couscous provide cozy, satisfying partners without stealing the show.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual fillets straight from the baking dish for easy family-style dining, or plate up with extra roasted veggies and a splash of pan juices for a more formal look. For entertaining, try spooning fish and all its saucy, garlicky-tomato goodness onto thick pieces of grilled bread—Mediterranean bruschetta, if you will!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mediterranean Baked Fish keeps beautifully when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Make sure everything cools first, then stash it away; it’ll stay fresh and vibrant for up to two days. O In a large baking dish, drizzle olive oil and spread the minced garlic evenly is the flavor base that just gets better as it sits.

Freezing

While fish can be tricky to freeze without losing texture, this recipe can handle it if needed. Let the cooled fish and veggies come to room temperature, then separately store the fish and sauce in freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight, and keep in mind the vegetables may soften a bit upon reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a 300°F oven, covered, until the fish is just warmed through. A quick splash of olive oil or squeeze of fresh lemon before reheating brings back that just-baked brightness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the tender fish and garlic-kissed veggies.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fish fillets?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw your fish completely and gently pat them dry before using, as excess moisture can dilute flavors and affect the texture when you o In a large baking dish, drizzle olive oil and spread the minced garlic evenly.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs can step in for fresh in a pinch—use half the amount, as dried are more potent. Italian seasoning blends also add a lovely bit of Mediterranean character.

Is this dish good for meal prep?

It’s great for quick lunches or dinners! After baking, portion into containers with veggies and some juices. The flavors deepen by day two, so o In a large baking dish, drizzle olive oil and spread the minced garlic evenly is as easy as ever midweek.

Which fish tastes best in this recipe?

Cod and sea bass are lovely for their mild flavor and flaky texture, but try snapper or halibut if you feel adventurous. The key is using a fresh, firm fillet that can soak up all the Mediterranean magic.

Can I add other veggies?

Definitely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or artichoke hearts make delicious additions and soak up the garlicky, lemony juices beautifully. Just keep the pieces bite-sized for easy serving.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll bring this Mediterranean Baked Fish to your table soon and discover how o In a large baking dish, drizzle olive oil and spread the minced garlic evenly can turn a handful of simple ingredients into something genuinely special. It’s a meal that feels both effortless and extraordinary—perfect for sharing with the people you love most. Let your kitchen fill with sunshine and savor every bite!