Beginner-Friendly Oven-Baked Fish Recipe

Crop man with delicious sandwiches and lemon slice on plate
Photo by furkanfdemir via Pexels

Cooking fish can sometimes seem a bit daunting, but we’ve got a super simple oven-baked fish recipe that’s perfect for anyone looking to try their hand at making fish at home. It’s straightforward, quick, and adaptable, using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s dive in and bake some fish!

Ingredients:

  • 4 fish fillets (such as cod, salmon, tilapia, or your choice of fish), about 6 ounces each
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lemon, juiced and zested
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional:

  • fresh herbs (such as parsley, dill, or thyme), chopped
  • spices like paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 F. 
  2. Rinse the fish fillets and pat them dry with paper towels. 
  3. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic for the marinade.
  4. Lay the fish fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the fillets with the marinade, then season both sides with salt and pepper. If you’re using additional herbs or spices, sprinkle them on.
  5. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. 
  6. Once done, remove from the oven. If you used fresh herbs, sprinkle them over the fish to add a burst of color.