🐟 Mediterranean Baked Fish with Lemon & Herbs

🧂 Ingredients (Serves 4)

🐟 Fish:

• 4 fillets white fish (such as cod, snapper, halibut, or tilapia)

• 2 Tbsp olive oil

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning

🍅 Topping:

• 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved

• ½ cup Kalamata olives, halved

• 2 Tbsp capers (optional)

• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

• 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

• Zest of 1 lemon

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1. Preheat & prepare

1. Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F.

2. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.

Step 2. Season the fish

1. Pat the fish dry with paper towels.

2. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.

3. Place the fillets in the prepared dish in a single layer.

Step 3. Add Mediterranean toppings

1. In a bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, olives, garlic, onion, parsley, capers, lemon juice, and zest.

2. Toss with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt.

3. Spoon the mixture evenly over the fish fillets.

Step 4. Bake

• Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

• (Thicker fillets may take up to 25 minutes.)

Step 5. Serve

• Garnish with more parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.

• Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

• Pair with couscous, roasted potatoes, or Greek salad.

• Add a dollop of tzatziki or a side of warm pita bread.

• For wine pairing, go with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

🌿 Variations

• Add sliced bell peppers or zucchini for extra color.

• Use salmon or sea bass instead of white fish.

• For a little spice, sprinkle chili flakes or drizzle harissa oil before baking.

💡 Chef’s Tip

To keep the fish moist, avoid overbaking. Once it flakes easily, remove it from the oven — the residual heat will finish the cooking perfectly.