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The Best Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe

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3.9 from 73 reviews

This Mediterranean Baked Fish recipe features perfectly seasoned fish fillets seared to a golden crust and baked with a flavorful medley of cherry tomatoes, olives, herbs, and garlic. The dish combines savory spices and fresh ingredients for a healthy, vibrant meal that’s easy to prepare and bursting with Mediterranean flavors.

Ingredients

For the Fish Seasoning

  • 1 Fish fillet (such as cod, halibut, or snapper)
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or Old Bay or Creole seasoning)
  • ½ teaspoon Chili flakes
  • 1 teaspoon Fish seasoning (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons Cooking oil
  • 3 Garlic cloves, minced or diced

For the Tomatoes and Olives

  • 2 cups Cherry tomatoes
  • ¼ cup Olives
  • 2 sprigs Fresh parsley
  • 2 sprigs Fresh thyme
  • ½ teaspoon Mixed seasoning (from the fish seasoning mix)
  • 2 tablespoons Water
  • 3 tablespoons Salted butter
  • Pinch of Salt and Pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400℉ (200℃) to ensure it is ready for baking the fish and vegetables.
  2. Mix the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine paprika, Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, chili flakes, fish seasoning, salt, black pepper, cooking oil, and minced garlic. Reserve 1 teaspoon of this mixture to use later for the tomatoes and olives.
  3. Season the fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Rub both sides of the fish fillets thoroughly with the remaining seasoning mixture.
  4. Sear the fish: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Place the seasoned fish fillets in the hot pan and sear each side for about 1 minute until they develop a golden, slightly charred crust. The fish will not be fully cooked at this stage. Remove the fish from the pan and set aside.
  5. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pan (over medium heat), add cherry tomatoes, olives, fresh parsley, fresh thyme, the reserved 1 teaspoon of seasoning mix, water, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring continuously for about 3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the flavors meld.
  6. Combine and prepare for baking: Place the seared fish fillets in the center of the pan with the vegetables around them. Dot the fish with the salted butter. If the pan is not oven-safe, transfer the mixture to a baking dish or sheet.
  7. Bake: Bake the fish and vegetables in the preheated oven at 400℉ for 10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
  8. Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately with your choice of sides, enjoying the flavorful Mediterranean medley.

Notes

  • Before searing, gently pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, helping to achieve a crispier crust.
  • Searing the fish before baking seals in juices and adds a delicious golden crust, preventing it from drying out during baking.
  • Use firm fish varieties like cod, halibut, or snapper, as they hold up well through searing and baking. Avoid delicate fish such as tilapia or flounder to prevent them from falling apart.
  • A cast-iron skillet or a non-stick pan is ideal for even heat distribution when searing the fish.
  • Adding vegetables like tomatoes, olives, and herbs enhances the flavor by creating a natural sauce as they release juices during baking.

Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/the-best-mediterranean-baked-fish-recipe/