Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish recipe highlights tender cod fillets infused with bright lemon, savory garlic, and a touch of briny capers. It’s a simple, flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. cod fillet
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Zest of 1 lemon plus lemon slices
• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons capers
• Kosher salt
• Fresh cracked pepper
• Fresh lemon wedges (for garnish)
• Fresh chopped cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and place the cod fillet into a large baking dish.
2. Step 2: In a small measuring cup, combine the olive oil and melted butter, then pour the mixture evenly over the cod.
3. Step 3: Season the cod with ground coriander, paprika, a generous pinch of kosher salt, and fresh cracked pepper.
4. Step 4: Top the fish with lemon zest, lemon slices, thinly sliced garlic, and capers.
5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and garnish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and chopped cilantro before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For an equally flavorful substitute, use green olives instead of capers—add a bit more to match the capers’ bold taste.
• If you don’t have butter, you can skip it and use olive oil alone, but melting butter adds rich, decadent flavor and improves texture.
• Watch the baking time carefully based on your oven and fish thickness to avoid overcooking; fish is done when it flakes easily.

Storage

Store any leftover baked fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid drying it out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

Yes, firm white fish like halibut, haddock, or sea bass work well with this Mediterranean preparation.

What can I serve with Mediterranean baked fish?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables, couscous, quinoa, or a fresh green salad to keep the meal light and balanced.

Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 110 reviews

This Easy Mediterranean Baked Fish recipe features tender cod fillets baked with a luscious blend of olive oil, melted butter, fragrant spices, garlic, capers, and fresh lemon. Perfect for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal, this dish brings Mediterranean flair to your table with minimal effort.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

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Fish and Seasoning

• 1 lb. cod fillet
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Zest of 1 lemon + lemon slices
• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons capers
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Fresh cracked pepper, to taste

Garnish

• Fresh lemon wedges
• Fresh chopped cilantro

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the cod fillet evenly.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish and Fish: Place the cod fillet into a large baking dish, ensuring it lays flat for even cooking.
3. Make the Oil and Butter Mixture: In a small glass measuring cup, combine olive oil and melted butter, then pour this mixture evenly over the cod, coating it thoroughly for rich flavor.
4. Season the Fish: Sprinkle the cod with ground coriander, paprika, a generous pinch of kosher salt, and fresh cracked pepper to enhance its Mediterranean flavors.
5. Add Aromatics and Capers: Top the cod with lemon zest, lemon slices, thinly sliced garlic, and capers, which add a briny, aromatic bite.
6. Bake the Fish: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily when tested with a fork, indicating it is fully cooked.
7. Garnish and Serve: After baking, garnish the fish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the top. Serve with additional lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

• Butter enhances the flavor and texture, giving the fish a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth quality. If needed, you can substitute olive oil alone, but the butter combination is highly recommended.
• Green olives can be used as a substitute for capers if you prefer or don’t have capers on hand; use a bit more olives to match the bold flavor.
• Avoid overcooking the fish. Cooking times may vary depending on oven, fish thickness, and baking dish. The fish is done as soon as it flakes easily with a fork.

Keywords: Mediterranean baked fish, cod recipe, easy fish dinner, baked cod with lemon, healthy fish recipe, fish with capers and garlic, quick baked fish