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Close-up of Mediterranean baked white fish fillets with bell peppers and green olives in a black pan.

Mediterranean Baked White Fish

This vibrant, Moroccan-inspired baked white fish features tender, flaky cod fillets coated in a robust, garlicky chermoula marinade. Baked to perfection over a rustic bed of caramelized onions, sweet bell peppers, and jammy tomatoes, it is finished with briny green olives and fresh parsley for a spectacular one-pan dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 310

Ingredients
  

For the Fish & Marinade (Chermoula)
  • 4 firm white fish fillets approx. 1.5 lbs of cod, halibut, or sea bass
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 pinch saffron threads bloomed in 2 tablespoons of warm water for 10 minutes
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
For the Sauce & Vegetable Base
  • 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced
  • 2 medium ripe tomatoes sliced into rounds
  • 2 medium bell peppers 1 red, 1 yellow, sliced into long strips
  • 1 medium carrot thinly sliced into rounds
  • ½ cup whole green olives pitted or unpitted
  • ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley finely chopped (for garnish)

Method
 

Prepare the Chermoula:
  1. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, ground ginger, sweet paprika, ground cumin, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil along with the bloomed saffron threads and their soaking water. Whisk until a smooth, fragrant paste forms.
Marinate the Seafood:
  1. Pat the white fish fillets completely dry on all sides using paper towels. Place them in a shallow dish, coat thoroughly with the chermoula marinade, and let rest at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes.
Roast the Vegetable Bed:
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a deep baking dish or large oven-safe skillet, layer the sliced onions and carrots along the bottom. Top them with the sliced bell peppers and tomato rounds. Drizzle with a tiny splash of olive oil, season with a pinch of salt, and bake for 15 minutes until the vegetables begin to sweat and soften.
Bake the Fish:
  1. Carefully remove the hot baking dish from the oven. Arrange the marinated fish fillets right on top of the softened vegetable bed. Pour any remaining marinade from the dish over the fish. Scatter the green olives evenly around the pan. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the fish reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flakes effortlessly with a fork.
Garnish and Serve:
  1. Remove from the oven, let rest for 3 minutes, then shower with the freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot alongside your favorite crusty bread, rice, or fluffy couscous.

Notes

  • Fish Substitutions: If cod is unavailable, thick-cut haddock or halibut work beautifully.
  • Spice Level: For a spicy kick, add half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a dollop of harissa paste to the marinade