Baked Fish with Vegetables
Discover a simple, healthy recipe for Baked Fish with Vegetables that’s perfect for a quick and delicious dinner any night of the week. This dish combines tender, flaky fish with colorful, vibrant vegetables baked to perfection, offering a nutritious and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein, it’s a nutritious dinner choice.
- Versatile Flavor: Mild seasoning lets the natural flavors shine while allowing for personal twists.
- Minimal Cleanup: One-pan baking means less mess and more time to relax.
- Beautiful Presentation: Colorful veggies paired with golden-baked fish make an appetizing plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The simplicity of this Baked Fish with Vegetables recipe means just a handful of fresh and accessible ingredients, each playing a crucial role in balancing flavor, texture, and nutrition.
- Fresh fish fillets: Choose white fish like cod, tilapia, or haddock for a delicate, flaky texture.
- Mixed vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onions add color and crunch.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the fish and vegetables bake evenly.
- Fresh herbs: Parsley, thyme, or dill bring a bright, aromatic note.
- Garlic: Provides savory depth and enhances all the other flavors.
- Lemon juice: Adds a fresh, tangy finish that complements the fish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential to season the dish perfectly and bring out natural flavors.
Variations for Baked Fish with Vegetables
This Baked Fish with Vegetables recipe is incredibly adaptable, so feel free to experiment with ingredients or tailor it to your dietary preferences to keep things exciting.
- Spice it up: Add chili flakes or smoked paprika for a subtle kick of heat.
- Swap the fish: Use salmon or trout for a richer, more buttery flavor.
- Vegetarian twist: Replace fish with hearty mushrooms or tofu for a plant-based alternative.
- Use seasonal veggies: Swap in asparagus, broccoli, or carrots depending on what’s fresh.
- Herb variations: Experiment with basil, cilantro, or oregano for different aromatic profiles.
How to Make Baked Fish with Vegetables
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking. Chop your vegetables into bite-sized pieces for consistent roasting, then toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and minced garlic to infuse flavor.
Step 2: Arrange Vegetables on Baking Tray
Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet, leaving enough space to add the fish without overcrowding, which helps everything roast properly.
Step 3: Season and Add the Fish
Pat the fish fillets dry and season them with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Place the fillets on top of or next to the vegetables on the baking sheet.
Step 4: Add Herbs and Bake
Scatter fresh herbs over the fish and vegetables, then bake for 15-20 minutes, checking that the fish flakes easily with a fork and the vegetables are tender with a golden edge.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once baked, optionally drizzle a bit more lemon juice and olive oil over the dish before serving to heighten the freshness and richness.
Pro Tips for Making Baked Fish with Vegetables
- Freshness matters: Use the freshest fish possible for the best texture and flavor.
- Evenly sized veggies: Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure consistent cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd: Give space on the baking tray so everything roasts instead of steams.
- Monitor cooking time: Keep an eye to prevent the fish from drying out—thinner fillets cook faster.
- Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheet to avoid sticking and simplify cleanup.
How to Serve Baked Fish with Vegetables
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or dill, a sprinkle of lemon zest, or a few capers can elevate the presentation and introduce extra brightness to the dish.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with steamed rice, crusty bread, or quinoa to make the meal more filling while keeping the focus on the lightness of the baked fish and vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the fish fillets over a bed of roasted vegetables topped with a drizzle of flavored olive oil or a dollop of herbed yogurt sauce for a restaurant-quality touch at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Baked Fish with Vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap—consume within 1 month for best taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) or microwave for a short time to avoid drying out the fish and vegetables.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it thoroughly and pat it dry before baking to avoid excess moisture during cooking.
Which vegetables work best with baked fish?
Firm vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and onions hold up well in the oven and complement the fish nicely.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s great for meal prep as leftovers keep well and reheat without losing texture or flavor.
Can I bake fish and vegetables in foil packets instead?
Definitely! Baking in foil packets creates a steam environment that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Dried herbs work fine too—just use about one-third of the amount called for fresh, and add them earlier in the cooking process to release their flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a wholesome, easy-to-make dinner that’s both flavorful and nourishing, give this Baked Fish with Vegetables recipe a try. Its vibrant colors, fresh ingredients, and straightforward prep make it a perfect weeknight meal to enjoy anytime. Happy cooking and savor every bite!
Related Posts
PrintBaked Fish with Vegetables
A simple, healthy, and quick recipe for Baked Fish with Vegetables combining tender, flaky white fish with colorful mixed vegetables, seasoned with fresh herbs, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This nutritious one-pan dish is perfect for busy weeknights and offers minimal cleanup with a vibrant and flavorful presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Fish
- 4 fresh white fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or haddock)
Vegetables
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small red onion, chopped
Seasonings and Others
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or dill), chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces to ensure even roasting. Toss the chopped vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, and minced garlic to infuse flavor.
- Arrange Vegetables on Baking Tray: Spread the seasoned vegetables evenly in a single layer on a large baking sheet, leaving space to add the fish without overcrowding, to allow proper roasting.
- Season and Add the Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Place the seasoned fillets on top of or next to the vegetables on the baking sheet.
- Add Herbs and Bake: Scatter the fresh chopped herbs evenly over the fish and vegetables. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the vegetables are tender with slightly golden edges.
- Finish and Serve: Once baked, optionally drizzle additional lemon juice and olive oil over the dish to enhance freshness and richness. Serve immediately with your choice of side or garnish as desired.
Notes
- Use the freshest fish possible for best texture and flavor.
- Chop vegetables uniformly for consistent cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to prevent steaming instead of roasting.
- Monitor cooking time closely as thinner fillets cook faster and can dry out.
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with vegetables
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: baked fish, healthy dinner, quick recipe, vegetables, gluten free, one-pan meal, fish with vegetables, easy dinner
