Mediterranean Baked Fish Recipe – Easy & Flavorful Meal
- 1/3 cup olive oil – for that authentic Mediterranean richness
- 4 garlic cloves, sliced – brings aromatic flavor
- 6 sprigs fresh thyme – adds a fresh herbal note
- 1 1/2 cup baby tomatoes, whole – juicy and sweet
- 4 haddock fillets – or any white fish of your choice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper – to season
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional) – for a touch of heat
- 1 cup Mezzetta olives – a variety of your choice, for a briny touch
- 1/4 cup Mezzetta sliced jalapeños – adds a spicy kick
- 2 teaspoons Mezzetta capers, drained – provides a tangy flavor
- Replace haddock with cod, sea bass, or tilapia.
- If avoiding olives, try adding sliced zucchini for a vegetable twist.
- For a milder heat, skip the chili flakes and jalapeños.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. Place your baking dish with the olive oil in the oven to heat for 6-8 minutes.
- While the dish is preheating, season your fish fillets with salt, pepper, and chili flakes. This step is crucial for flavoring the fish early on.
- Once the pan is preheated, carefully remove it from the oven and add in the garlic slices, half of the thyme sprigs, baby tomatoes, and fish fillets. This method will infuse the fish with intense Mediterranean flavors as they bake.
- Scatter the Mezzetta olives around the fish and top with sliced jalapeños and capers. Lower the oven temperature to 375°F and bake for 15-18 minutes, depending on the size of your fillets.
- For a beautifully charred look, broil the fish for an additional 2 minutes after baking.
- Once done, drizzle the flavorful olive oil from the pan over the fish fillets and garnish with the remaining thyme sprigs. Serve immediately and enjoy!