Baked Mediterranean Fish

Mediterranean Baked Fish is quick, easy to make, and packed with incredible flavor. Made with wholesome ingredients like cod and fresh herbs in a mouth-watering tomato sauce, this 30-minute meal is guaranteed to be the star of any weeknight dinner.

This easy Mediterranean Fish could seriously rival any restaurant’s top fish dish.

It’s bursting with savory Mediterranean flavors like olives, garlic, capers, and tomatoes. It's a light and healthy meal that is anything but boring.

This delicious healthy recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes for busy weeknight dinners. It’s beyond easy to make and comes together in under 30 minutes.

I love pairing this Mediterranean fish with some quickly Sauteed Cauliflower or this Mediterranean Salad.

For more of these tasty flavors, also try this Slow Cooker Meditterean Chicken or Grilled Mediterranean Pork Tenderloin.

Key Ingredients and Easy Swaps

To make this healthy and delicious Mediterranean fish, you will need the following key ingredients:

• Cod filets: I love cod because it is one of the easiest (and as mentioned, most affordable!) fish to cook with. It has a mild, milky flavor that tastes great with our Mediterranean spice rub. However, if you don’t have any cod on hand, you can swap it for similar fish like haddock, halibut, snapper, or almost any white fish fillet.
• Garlic and onion. Fresh garlic and onion add a delicious flavor base for this Mediterranean Baked fish! Any type of onion works fine, including red onions and sweet onions.
• Tomatoes. Canned diced tomatoes make up the base of our flavorful tomato sauce. I always recommend San Marzano for its superior quality, but any kind you like will work.
• Capers. I absolutely love adding capers to Mediterranean dishes. They add a briny flavor that beautifully complements the rich and savory flavors.
• Black olives: For Meditteranean-inspired dishes, I like to use Kalamata olives. Any black or green olives work. Castelvetrano olives are also really delicious.
• Olive oil. Feel free to swap this out for another high-temp cooking oil like avocado oil if needed.
• Spices. I like to use a combination of oregano, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. However, feel free to add or take away as you deem fit, based on your flavor preferences.
• Fresh herbs. In my opinion, there’s no better way to top off this dish than with some fresh herbs. These add a gorgeous pop of color and tons of flavor! My top choices for this dish are fresh basil or parsley.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Here are some of my top tips and tricks to help you make this dish really shine:

• Dry the fish: Before you add your fish to the pan, make sure you pat it dry with paper towels. This is essential for getting your spices to stick. Then, season the fillets with salt and pepper.
• Cook until flaky: You will know the fish is done cooking when it becomes flaky (you should be able to flake it with a fork) and opaque. This usually takes about 8-12 minutes total.
• Fish cooks quickly: Remember that fish cooks quickly! Don’t be afraid to check to see if it’s done before time is up, especially if you have a high-power oven. Use your best judgment and pull the fish out once it begins to flake easily!
• Use olives: If you don’t have any capers on hand, a generous handful of green olives make for a delicious substitute.
• Add feta cheese: Fish and cheese usually doesn't work, but don't be afraid to finish this dish with some crumbled feta cheese.
• Add lemon: To brighten up the dish, finish it with some fresh lemon juice or lemon zest. Fish and lemon always work.

How to Serve Mediterranean Baked Fish

If you’re looking for an easy and delicious protein source to add to your busy weeknight dinners, fish is a great option!

To help you prepare the best healthy dinner, here are some of my favorite dishes to serve with Mediterranean fish:

• Pasta. Baked fish and pasta go hand in hand! You’ve already got the fish and a stellar sauce to go along with it, so add some pasta to the mix for the ultimate cozy dish.
• Grains. Another delicious way to create a healthy and balanced meal is to serve this Mediterranean fish alongside your favorite grain bowl. Some of my top choices include brown rice, quinoa, and cauliflower rice.
• Veggies. Your favorite roasted (or grilled!) vegetables are the perfect compliment to this flavorful dish. If you need some inspiration, I recommend Crispy Baked Broccoli or Balsamic Brussels Sprouts.
• Salads. For a lighter option, use this Mediterranean fish to top off your favorite green salads. Personally, I love using it to top off this Easy Lentil Salad.

How to Store Leftover Fish

Believe it or not, this dish actually stores really well. If you want quick and easy lunches for the next few days, I recommend whipping up a few extra filets. They are delicious in these Mediterranean Bowls.

To store your leftovers, simply allow them to cool and then seal them in an airtight storage container. Then, store your fish in one of two ways:

• In the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
• In the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat over low heat in a skillet.