– 4 white fish fillets (such as sea bass, cod, tilapia, or snapper)
– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– 1 lemon, thinly sliced
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup white wine or vegetable broth (optional, for extra flavor)
– Fresh lemon wedges, for serving
### Step-by-Step Instructions for Mediterranean Baked Fish:
#### 1. **Preheat the Oven:**
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature ensures the fish bakes quickly, while the vegetables and seasonings create a fragrant, caramelized crust.
#### 2. **Prepare the Fish:**
Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. This helps ensure that the fish doesn’t release too much moisture during cooking, which can affect the texture. Season both sides of the fish with salt, pepper, and half of the dried oregano and thyme.
#### 3. **Prepare the Baking Dish:**
Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. You can also line the dish with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Arrange the seasoned fish fillets in a single layer in the dish, ensuring that there’s a bit of space between them.
#### 4. **Top with Mediterranean Ingredients:**
In a mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, minced garlic, and fresh parsley. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the mixture and toss to coat. Scatter this mixture evenly over and around the fish fillets, adding the lemon slices on top of the fish for extra citrusy flavor.
#### 5. **Add the Wine or Broth (Optional):**
For extra flavor, you can pour a little white wine or vegetable broth into the bottom of the baking dish. This creates steam and moisture during baking, which helps the fish cook perfectly while infusing the dish with a delicate aroma. This step is optional but highly recommended for a rich, savory flavor.
#### 6. **Bake the Fish:**
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fish fillets, so check for doneness by gently flaking the fish at the thickest part.
The fish should be opaque and tender, with the vegetables slightly softened and caramelized. If you prefer a more golden and crispy texture, you can broil the fish for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
#### 7. **Serve and Garnish:**
Once the fish is ready, remove it from the oven and serve it immediately. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added brightness and flavor.
Serve with your choice of sides, such as a fresh Mediterranean salad, couscous, roasted vegetables, or some crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
### Tips for Perfect Mediterranean Baked Fish:
