Oh, Mediterranean food! It’s just got this magic, doesn’t it? So much flavor, but somehow it always feels so light and breezy. That’s exactly what I love about my Mediterranean Baked Fish Delight, or as I like to call it, the Claudy Recipe. Seriously, this dish is my weeknight superhero. It’s ridiculously fast – like, faster than ordering takeout – packed with good-for-you stuff, and tastes absolutely incredible. The best part? It practically makes itself! I stumbled upon a version of this ages ago, and over the years, I’ve tweaked it just so. Now, it’s my go-to when I need a delicious, feel-good meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, this Mediterranean Baked Fish Delight is going to be your new best friend too!
Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Baked Fish Delight
Honestly, this dish is a total game-changer! It hits all the right notes, making it my absolute go-to:
- Effortless Prep: Seriously, you just chop a few things and toss them in the dish. Zero stress involved!
- Speedy Dinner: We’re talking about a glorious meal on the table in less than 30 minutes. Weeknights, rejoice!
- Healthy & Satisfying: It’s loaded with lean fish, good fats, and vibrant Mediterranean veggies. You’ll feel fantastic after eating this.
- Incredible Flavor: The zesty lemon, briny olives, fragrant garlic, and dreamy oregano really make this fish sing. It’s a taste of sunshine!
- So Adaptable: This recipe is super forgiving. Don’t have cherry tomatoes? Add some bell pepper slices! Not a fan of olives? Totally fine!
Gather Your Ingredients for Mediterranean Baked Fish Delight
Okay, so to whip up this gem, you don’t need a whole marathon of shopping. This is the beauty of it! You’ll want about a pound of your favorite white fish. I’m partial to cod or tilapia, but sea bass or even snapper would be divine. Make sure it’s in nice fillet form, maybe four medium-sized ones. Then, grab about two tablespoons of good extra virgin olive oil – this stuff is liquid gold! You’ll also need one big, juicy lemon; we’re slicing this bad boy thinly. For all those lovely pops of flavor, get half a cup of cherry tomatoes and give them a quick halve, and a quarter cup of Kalamata olives, pits and all – or pitted, if you’re feeling fancy. Two little cloves of garlic, minced up fine, are essential, along with a teaspoon of dried oregano. And of course, salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can be fun too!
How to Prepare Your Mediterranean Baked Fish Delight
Alright, let’s get this Mediterranean party started! This recipe is so straightforward, you’ll be amazed. First things first, get that oven fired up to 400°F (that’s 200°C for my friends using Celsius). While it’s heating up, take your baking dish – a nice shallow one works best – and lay those beautiful fish fillets right in there. Don’t crowd them too much; give them a little breathing room so they cook evenly. Now, drizzle all those lovely fillets with your extra virgin olive oil. It’s like giving them a little spa treatment before the heat! Looking for other easy sheet pan meals? You might like this Sheet Pan Shrimp Bake or even a hearty Lemon Rosemary Roasted Chicken.
Preheating and Baking
Once your oven hits that perfect temperature, it’s time to layer on the flavor. Artfully arrange your thin lemon slices all over and around the fish. Tuck in the halved cherry tomatoes and the pitted Kalamata olives between the lemon slices and fish. Scatter that minced garlic and the dried oregano over everything. Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper – a good pinch on everything really makes the flavors pop. You want this to look as good as it smells!
Finishing Touches and Checking for Doneness
Pop that dish into the hot oven and let the magic happen for about 12 to 15 minutes. The exact time will depend on how thick your beautiful fish fillets are, so keep an eye on it. You’re looking for the fish to become totally opaque – no more translucent bits! The best way to know for sure? Gently poke it with a fork; it should flake apart so, so easily. If it’s still a bit firm or not flaking readily, give it another couple of minutes. We want perfectly cooked, moist fish, not dry, sad fishies!
Tips for the Perfect Mediterranean Baked Fish Delight
Making this fish dish is already super easy, but if you want to really wow yourself (and anyone lucky enough to share it!), here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up. First off, fish quality is key! Always try to get the freshest fillets you can. If you can’t find Kalamata olives, any good quality Greek or even Spanish olive will work in a pinch – or just skip ‘em if you’re not an olive fan. Don’t be afraid to mix up the veggies too! Bell peppers, zucchini ribbons, or even a handful of spinach tossed in with the tomatoes would be amazing. These additions just add more color and goodness. For even cooking, make sure your fish fillets are roughly the same thickness. If one is way thicker than the others, it might need a few extra minutes. And the best way to keep it from drying out? Don’t overcook it! Seriously, watch it like a hawk after the 10-minute mark. A little bit of moisture left in the fish is way better than dry, crumbly fish. Want to amp up the Mediterranean vibe even more? Serve it with a side of my zesty Mediterranean Chickpea Salad, or check out these other Vibrant Mediterranean Salad Recipes for more inspiration. Yum!
Serving Suggestions for Your Mediterranean Baked Fish Delight
So, your gorgeous Mediterranean Baked Fish Delight is out of the oven, smelling absolutely divine! Now, what to serve it with? Honestly, this dish is so complete on its own, but if you want to make it a full meal, I’ve got some favorites. A fluffy bed of quinoa, like this Quinoa Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Cucumber, is just perfect for soaking up any extra lemon-herb juices. Or, you can never go wrong with a vibrant side salad! My Mediterranean Chickpea Salad adds a lovely texture and another burst of fresh flavors. A simple crusty bread is also fantastic for mopping up that delicious pan sauce. Just plate it up with the fish front and center, surrounded by those colorful tomatoes and olives, and voilà – a healthy, gorgeous meal!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let your gorgeous fish cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll happily hang out in the fridge for about 2 days. When you’re ready for round two, the best way to reheat is super gentle. Pop it back in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for just a few minutes until warmed through. Microwaving works too, but just be careful not to overcook it, or it might get a little dry. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions about Mediterranean Baked Fish Delight
Got questions about this easy-peasy fish dish? I’ve got you covered! Cooking should be fun, not frustrating, so let’s clear up any little things!
Can I use a different type of fish for this Mediterranean Baked Fish Delight?
Absolutely! This recipe is super flexible. Flaky white fish like cod, tilapia, halibut, or even snapper work wonderfully. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as thinner fillets will cook faster than thicker ones.
What are some good substitutions for Kalamata olives in this recipe?
No Kalamata olives? No problem! You can use other briny olives, like Castelvetrano or even green olives. If you’re not a fan of olives at all, a few capers would give you that little salty kick you might be missing.
How can I make this Mediterranean Baked Fish Delight spicier?
If you love a little heat, just add a pinch of red pepper flakes right along with the oregano and garlic before baking. You could also add a tiny dash of cayenne pepper if you’re feeling brave!
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
So, for about one fillet of this divine Mediterranean Baked Fish Delight, you’re looking at roughly 250 calories. It’s got about 12g of fat, mostly the good stuff from olive oil and fish, with just 2g being saturated. You’ll get a whopping 30g of protein to keep you full and happy, and only about 5g of carbs. Sugar is super low at 3g, and sodium is around 300mg. Keep in mind, this is just an estimate, okay? It can totally change depending on the exact fish you use and the brands of your olive oil and olives!
Share Your Mediterranean Baked Fish Delight Creation!
Alright, everyone, I’d LOVE to hear how your Mediterranean Baked Fish Delight turned out! Did you try any fun variations? What did you serve it with? Seriously, pop your thoughts in the comments below – your feedback means the world to me! And if you snapped a pic of your beautiful creation, tag me on social media! Seeing your delicious meals makes my day. You can also reach me directly through my contact page if you have any burning questions!
Print
Mediterranean Baked Fish Delight
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and flavorful baked fish recipe with Mediterranean ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 pound white fish fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the fish fillets in a baking dish.
- Drizzle the fish with olive oil.
- Arrange lemon slices, cherry tomatoes, and olives around the fish.
- Sprinkle minced garlic and oregano over the fish and vegetables.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Notes
- Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
- You can add other Mediterranean vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Mediterranean baked fish, easy fish recipe, healthy dinner, lemon herb fish, Claudy recipe