This Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe with tomatoes and olives is a light, flavorful dish featuring tender fish baked in a savory sauce of ripe tomatoes, briny olives, garlic, and herbs. It's an easy yet elegant meal perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner at home.
Need something to pair this with? Try our fresh Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette and Air Fryer Green Beans.
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Mediterranean food is all about fresh veggies and big, bold taste. Our Mediterranean Baked Fish recipe shows off what this style of cooking is all about—it's made with simple ingredients you can find anywhere.
If you like this seafood recipe, you may also love our Bay Scallops Pasta or our Easy Lemon Garlic Baked Halibut Recipe.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with different herbs or vegetables.
- Family Friendly: Mild, pleasing flavors that are a hit with both adults and kids.
Mediterranean Baked Fish Ingredients
- Cod or White Fish: Opt for fresh, sustainably sourced cod for the best flavor and texture. If unavailable, any white fish will do.
- Butter and Olive Oil: Butter adds richness, while olive oil provides a healthy fat and enhances the Mediterranean flavors.
- Olives: A mix of green and black olives adds a briny depth. Look for pitted olives to save time.
- Tomatoes: Colorful grape tomatoes not only add a pop of color but also a sweet, juicy contrast to the savory olives.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese adds a tangy, creamy element that complements the fish and vegetables.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion provides a mild, sweet flavor and a bit of crunch.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice provides a bright, citrusy kick. Always zest the lemon before juicing to make the most of it.
- Oregano, Lemon Pepper, and Salt: These seasonings enhance the dish with earthy, zesty, and salty flavors.
- Dill and Parsley: Freshly chopped dill and parsley add a burst of fresh, herbal flavor and a vibrant green color to the finished dish.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
How To Make This Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe
STEP ONE: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly butter a baking dish and place the fish fillets in a single layer, seasoning with salt and pepper.
STEP TWO: Prepare Topping
In a medium bowl, combine sliced green and black olives, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, oregano, and lemon pepper. Mix until well coated.
STEP THREE: Assemble and Bake
Spoon the olive and tomato mixture over the fish fillets and top with lemon slices. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Use a foil tent if needed to retain moisture.
STEP FOUR: Finish and Serve
Remove from the oven, add crumbled feta, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and dill if desired. Serve immediately.
Substitutions & Variations
- Fish: Tilapia or halibut can be used as a substitute for cod.
- Grape Tomatoes: Substitute with Roma or cherry tomatoes.
- Lemon Pepper: Regular black pepper with a bit of lemon zest or lemon juice is a good alternative.
- Flavor: Add capers, marinated artichokes, or anchovies.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Use parchment paper in the baking dish for easier cleanup.
Storage
Store leftover Mediterranean baked fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in an oven at 275°F until just warmed through to avoid drying out the fish.
Recipe FAQs
To keep the fish moist, make sure it does not overcook by checking its doneness a few minutes before the recommended cooking time. Using a foil tent over the baking dish for part of the cooking time can also help retain moisture. The olive oil and lemon juice in the topping mixture help keep the fish hydrated and flavorful.
Yes, you can use frozen fish for this recipe, but it's important to thaw it properly first. Place the frozen fish in the refrigerator overnight or submerge it in cold water until it is fully thawed to ensure even cooking.
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📖 Recipe
Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe
Equipment
- Sheet pan or Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowl
- Zester or Grater
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds cod or white fish 4 fillets
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ¼ cup green olives sliced
- ¼ cup kalamata olives sliced
- 1 cup grape tomatoes halved
- 2 lemons divided, reserve zest and juice of one lemon
- ½ small red onion thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- ¼ cup feta cheese crumbled
- chopped fresh parsley or dill (or a combination) garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly butter a baking dish and place the fish fillets in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sliced green and black olives, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Add lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, and season with salt, oregano, and lemon pepper. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well coated.
- Spoon the olive and tomato mixture evenly over the fish fillets and add lemon slices on top. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
- Watch carefully to ensure the fish does not overcook. Use a foil tent over the baking dish for part of the cooking time to help retain moisture.
- Remove the dish from the oven and add crumbled feta. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and dill if desired. Serve immediately.
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Notes
- Fish: Tilapia or halibut can be used as a substitute for cod.
- Grape Tomatoes: Substitute with Roma or cherry tomatoes.
- Lemon Pepper: Regular black pepper with a bit of lemon zest or lemon juice is a good alternative.
Justin says
Fantastic greek recipe!!