Lemon Herb Baked Fish Fillets
This simple, healthy recipe yields perfectly flaky, moist fish fillets with a bright lemon herb flavor. It’s incredibly easy to make and ready in under 20 minutes!
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Ingredients
For the Fish:
· 4 white fish fillets (6 oz each) such as cod, tilapia, halibut, or haddock
· 2 tablespoons olive oil
· 1 lemon (½ sliced, ½ juiced)
· 3 garlic cloves, minced
· 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
· ½ teaspoon paprika
· Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
· Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
· Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish:
· Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
· Pat fish fillets completely dry with paper towels.
· Place fillets in a baking dish lightly greased with olive oil or lined with parchment paper.
- Season the Fish:
· Drizzle olive oil over fillets, rubbing to coat both sides.
· Season both sides with salt, pepper, dried herbs, and paprika.
· Sprinkle minced garlic evenly over fillets.
· Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fish.
- Bake:
· Arrange lemon slices over the fish fillets.
· Bake for 12-15 minutes (depending on thickness) until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
· Fish is done when internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Serve:
· Garnish with fresh parsley or dill.
· Serve immediately with additional lemon wedges.
Serving Suggestions:
· With roasted vegetables: Asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes
· Over grains: Quinoa, rice, or couscous
· With salad: Simple green salad or Greek salad
· With potatoes: Mashed, roasted, or boiled new potatoes
Chef’s Notes & Tips:
· Don’t Overcook: Check early – fish continues cooking after removal from oven
· Fresh Herbs: Substitute 1 tablespoon fresh herbs for dried if available
· Thickness Matters: Adjust cooking time based on fillet thickness
· Skin-On Fillets: Place skin-side down if your fillets have skin
· Frozen Fish: Thaw completely in refrigerator before using
· Variation: Add cherry tomatoes and olives to the baking dish
Storage: Best served immediately. Leftovers can be refrigerated for 1-2 days and enjoyed cold in salads or gently reheated.
Enjoy this light, healthy, and flavorful fish dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for company! The lemon and herbs create a bright, fresh flavor that complements the delicate fish perfectly.