Name: Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 whole fish fillets (such as snapper or cod); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 lemon (zested and juiced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 onion (sliced); 1 bell pepper (sliced); 1 zucchini (sliced); 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped); 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and black pepper to taste; Lemon wedges (for serving)

Jump to Recipe·5 from 23 reviews

Mediterranean Baked Fish is that magical dish you dream about after a sun-drenched holiday by the sea: vibrant, healthy, and bursting with flavor. The delicate fish pairing with juicy vegetables, fresh herbs, and lemon zest creates an aromatic symphony that’s ready in no time—plus, the key technique is to lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil, ensuring every bite remains moist, tender, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or just treating yourself, this recipe always makes a splash!

Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts of this Mediterranean Baked Fish is that every ingredient shines—each adding its own unique touch of freshness, color, or savory depth. You probably have many of these on hand already, and together, they build a dish that’s both simple and memorable.

Whole fish fillets: Choose snapper, cod, or your favorite firm white fish for perfect texture and mild flavor.
Olive oil: Adds silkiness and helps lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil for easy clean-up and moisture retention.
Lemon (zest and juice): Brings brightness and a touch of tang that lifts the whole dish.
Garlic (minced): Infuses everything with classic Mediterranean aroma.
Onion (sliced): Softens into sweetness as it bakes, layering in subtle flavor.
Bell pepper (sliced): Pops of color and a hint of sweetness make every forkful lively.
Zucchini (sliced): Adds tender, earthy body to the bed of veggies.
Cherry tomatoes (halved): Their juices help steam the fish and create natural sauce.
Fresh parsley (chopped): Delivers a burst of color and fresh herby finish.
Fresh dill (chopped): Its soft, grassy notes are classic in Mediterranean seafood.
Dried oregano: Offers a touch of boldness to balance out the veggies.
Salt and black pepper: A must for seasoning, bringing out each ingredient’s best.
Lemon wedges (for serving): A squeeze at the end brightens everything beautifully.

How to Make Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This consistent, hot temperature ensures the fish cooks through evenly while the vegetables roast to tender perfection. Don’t skip this step—it’s key for that delicious, steamy bake!

Step 2: Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil

Grab your favorite baking dish and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. This not only prevents sticking but also gives the fish and vegetables a lovely, subtle richness as they bake. A brush or paper towel works perfectly to spread the oil in an even, thin layer.

Step 3: Season the Fish

Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt, black pepper, and the dried oregano. This simple seasoning gives your fish a head start with flavor, and helps create a lightly seasoned crust during baking.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

In a skillet over medium heat, pour in some olive oil. Sauté the onions until translucent—this sweetens and softens them. Next, add in the sliced bell pepper and zucchini, cooking until just tender, followed by the garlic for a final flash of flavor. These steps meld your vegetables into a savory, slightly caramelized base that makes all the difference.

Step 5: Prepare Your Dish – Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil

Once again, don’t forget to lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil if needed, especially if you’ve switched baking dishes or added more veggies. Evenly spread the sautéed vegetables in the bottom of the dish, which creates a comfy, flavorful bed for your delicate fish fillets.

Step 6: Add Fish, Tomatoes, and Fresh Herbs

Carefully nestle the seasoned fish fillets on top of your vegetable layer. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, freshly chopped parsley, and dill over it all. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle lemon zest over the top, letting those zesty oils and juices infuse the whole casserole with citrusy Mediterranean brightness.

Step 7: Bake Covered

Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture and steam, then pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, allowing the fish to gently cook and the juices to intermingle for a wonderfully flavorful bake.

Step 8: Finish Uncovered

Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for another 5-10 minutes. This final bake lets the veggies and fish take on a hint of golden color, and ensures the fish is flaky and perfectly cooked through. A quick test with a fork should show the fish separating easily.

Step 9: Rest and Garnish

Pull the dish from the oven and let it rest for just a few minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to settle and makes serving much easier. Top with extra fresh herbs and a few lemon wedges for that ultimate Mediterranean touch.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Your gorgeous Mediterranean Baked Fish is ready—best enjoyed warm with your favorite sides or simply a chunk of crusty bread. Each forkful bursts with savory, citrusy, herby goodness.

How to Serve Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil

Garnishes

The right garnish adds instant Mediterranean flair! Tuck in extra sprigs of parsley and dill, scatter a few reserved cherry tomatoes, and keep lemon wedges close for a final citrus squeeze just before serving. This final sprinkle of fresh green gives that just-picked-from-the-garden look, especially impressive when you lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil and use a beautiful serving dish.

Side Dishes

This fish is irresistibly good alongside crusty bread, a bowl of herby rice pilaf, or even roasted potatoes tossed with lemon and dill. And if you want something lighter, a crisp green salad dressed with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon brings the meal together with refreshing crunch and zing.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your table by serving the fish directly in the pan you baked it in—especially if you remembered to lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil for a smooth, nonstick finish. For a fun twist, portion the fish and veggies into individual ramekins or wrap them en papillote for personal servings that wow at any gathering. The vibrant veggies look beautiful on any platter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The olive oil used to lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil actually helps maintain moisture, so your fish doesn’t dry out.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions if needed. Place cooled fish and veggies in tightly sealed containers, layering a sheet of parchment if stacking. The light coating when you lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil keeps separation for easy thawing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a covered oven-safe dish at 325°F until just warmed through. For best results, lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil again to help keep the bottom from sticking and preserve that fragrant moisture in the fish while it heats up.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fish fillets?

Yes! Just make sure you let them thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning. Using thawed fillets allows for even cooking, and you can still lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to guarantee nothing sticks.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

No problem—swap in dried parsley and dill, but use about half the amount. Dried herbs are stronger, so a little goes a long way.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely. Eggplant, artichoke hearts, or even olives add new Mediterranean flavors. Just slice everything evenly for uniform cooking and, as always, lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil before layering.

Is this recipe allergy friendly?

It’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Just double-check your seasonings and any sides you serve. Seafood allergies are, of course, something to watch for—sub chicken or tofu if needed!

Can I make this ahead for guests?

You sure can! Prepare everything up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to a day. When ready to cook, bring to room temp, lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil if needed, and bake as directed for a super easy and impressive main course.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this gorgeous, no-fuss Mediterranean Baked Fish in your own kitchen! With the simple trick to lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil, you’ll enjoy effortless cleanup and the juiciest, most flavorful fish every time. Give it a go—you might just find it becomes your new favorite weekday (or special occasion) showstopper.