Description
Oven Baked Fish with Herbs and Lemon is a simple yet elegant dish that combines tender fish with fresh herbs, lemon, and a drizzle of olive oil. The fish is baked to perfection, infusing it with the bright flavors of lemon and herbs while remaining moist and juicy. It’s an easy, stress-free way to enjoy seafood at home.
Ingredients
2 whole fish (400–600 grams, or 12 to 16 oz each), cleaned and scaled
Olive oil (for drizzling)
A large handful of fresh herbs (such as rosemary, bay leaf, thyme, cilantro, lemongrass, or your choice of herbs)
1 large lemon, thinly sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by washing the fish and patting them dry with paper towels. Alternatively, place the fish uncovered in the fridge for a couple of hours to dry out.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (220°C).
- Lightly oil a baking tray or cover it with baking paper for easier cleanup.
- Score the fish skin in two or three places on each side. Use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts, just through the skin and not into the flesh. This will help the steam escape while the fish bakes and ensure the fish stays firm.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper inside the fish cavity. Drizzle a little olive oil inside the cavity as well. Then, layer the lemon slices and half of the fresh herbs inside.
- Season the outside of the fish generously with salt and pepper. Lay the fish on the baking sheet, and if you have extra lemon slices, place them under the fish for added flavor.
- Drizzle olive oil over the top of the fish and pop it in the oven.
- Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of the fish. To check for doneness, gently insert a fork or knife into the flesh of the fish—if it flakes away from the bone easily, it’s ready. Remember that the fish will continue to cook after it’s removed from the oven, so be sure to take it out just before it’s fully cooked to avoid overcooking.
Notes
- Herb Variations: Feel free to mix and match different herbs based on what you have available. Dill, parsley, or tarragon are excellent choices.
- Vegetables: Add thinly sliced vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or tomatoes around the fish for extra flavor and a more complete meal.
- Lemon Substitute: If you prefer a different citrus flavor, you can swap the lemon slices for lime or orange slices for a unique twist.
- Different Fish: While this recipe works wonderfully with whole fish like bass or snapper, you can also use fillets. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Garlic: For an extra savory depth, you can add a few crushed garlic cloves into the cavity of the fish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 60mg