Mediterranean Herb-Infused Baked Fish with Tomatoes and Lemon
Experience the essence of the Mediterranean with this exquisite baked fish dish that highlights the vibrant flavors of fresh tomatoes, zesty lemons, and aromatic herbs. A traditional Greek favorite, this recipe allows you to choose your preferred fish, making it versatile and accessible for any occasion. Perfect for gatherings, this dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or light rice, and offers a healthy, delicious option that embodies the warmth of Greek cuisine. Serve it as a centerpiece for family dinners or casual gatherings, inviting your loved ones to indulge in the rich flavors of Greece.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
5 tablespoons (plus extra for drizzling)
onions
2 (finely chopped)
carrots
2 (thinly sliced)
celery ribs
2 (thinly sliced)
dry white wine
2/3 cup
canned tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can (with juice)
sugar
1 pinch
lemon
1 large (thinly sliced)
fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
fresh marjoram
1 teaspoon (chopped)
fish (tilapia or red snapper)
1 (2-2 1/2 lb) (fat whole, cleaned, and scaled or fillets)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously oil a shallow ovenproof dish to prevent sticking.
2
In a large skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become translucent.
3
Incorporate the sliced carrots and celery into the pan, stirring frequently for 8-10 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly softened.
4
Remove the skillet from the heat and carefully pour in the dry white wine. Return it to the stove and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil.
5
Add the canned tomatoes along with their juice, a pinch of sugar, thinly sliced lemon, and salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for 20 minutes, then stir in the chopped fresh parsley and marjoram.
6
Place your chosen fish in the oiled baking dish, ensuring that it fits comfortably. Pour the vegetable-tomato mixture around the fish, then arrange additional lemon slices on top of the fish.
7
Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the entire dish and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
8
Bake in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 45-60 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fish. The fish should flake easily with a fork when done. Serve immediately for the best flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Herb-Infused Baked Fish?
It is a traditional Greek-style seafood dish that features fish baked with a savory sauce of tomatoes, lemons, and fresh aromatic herbs.
What types of fish are recommended for this recipe?
Tilapia or red snapper are the suggested varieties, though any preferred white fish can be used.
Can I use whole fish or just fillets?
Both work well; you can use a 2 to 2.5 lb whole fish that is cleaned and scaled, or an equivalent weight in fillets.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How do I prepare the baking dish?
Generously oil a shallow ovenproof dish to prevent the fish and vegetables from sticking during the baking process.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
Start by sautéing two finely chopped onions in four tablespoons of olive oil for about 5 minutes until they are translucent.
Which vegetables are added to the sauté?
Thinly sliced carrots and celery are added to the onions and cooked for 8-10 minutes until slightly softened.
What type of wine should be used?
The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of dry white wine to deglaze the pan and add depth to the sauce.
How long should the vegetable mixture simmer?
Once the tomatoes, sugar, lemon, and seasonings are added, the sauce should simmer for 20 minutes.
Why is sugar included in the ingredients?
A pinch of sugar is added to the tomato sauce to help balance the acidity of the canned tomatoes and fresh lemon.
Which fresh herbs provide the infusion?
The dish is seasoned with fresh flat-leaf parsley and fresh marjoram for an authentic Mediterranean flavor.
How is the lemon prepared for the dish?
One large lemon is thinly sliced; some slices go into the simmering sauce while others are placed on top of the fish.
Do I need to cover the fish while it bakes?
No, the fish should be baked uncovered to allow the sauce to reduce and the fish to cook properly.
How long does the fish take to bake?
Baking time ranges from 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish you have chosen.
How can I tell when the fish is cooked?
The fish is ready when it flakes easily when tested with a fork.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy seafood option that incorporates fresh vegetables and heart-healthy olive oil.
What are the best side dishes for this meal?
This dish pairs perfectly with crusty bread for dipping in the sauce or a side of light rice.
How much olive oil is needed in total?
The recipe uses 5 tablespoons in the cooking process, plus an additional amount for drizzling before baking.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
While the recipe specifies canned tomatoes with juice, fresh ripe tomatoes can be used as a substitute if prepared with their juices.
What is the role of the celery ribs?
The celery ribs provide a foundational aromatic flavor and added texture to the vegetable-tomato sauce base.
Does the recipe require specific seasoning?
The dish is seasoned simply with salt and pepper to taste, highlighting the natural flavors of the herbs and fish.
Can I substitute the marjoram?
If fresh marjoram is unavailable, fresh oregano is a suitable Mediterranean substitute.
What size can of tomatoes is required?
You will need one 14-ounce can of tomatoes along with its juice.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The two carrots should be thinly sliced so they soften properly during the sautéing and baking stages.
Is this a traditional Greek recipe?
Yes, it is described as a traditional Greek favorite that embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.
When should the parsley and marjoram be added?
The chopped herbs should be stirred into the sauce after it has simmered for 20 minutes, just before assembly.
Can I use red wine instead of white?
Dry white wine is recommended for seafood to maintain a light flavor profile, whereas red wine may overpower the fish.
How is the sauce arranged with the fish?
The vegetable-tomato mixture is poured around the fish in the baking dish, ensuring the fish is partially submerged.
What is the preparation for the fish?
The fish should be cleaned and scaled if whole, or simply prepared as fillets.
Should the dish be served hot?
For the best flavor and texture, it is recommended to serve the dish immediately after it comes out of the oven.