Tasty Oven Grilled Fish is one of my favorite ways to enjoy a light, healthy, and flavor-packed meal without standing over a grill. The fish turns out tender and flaky on the inside, with a perfectly seasoned, slightly crisp surface. It’s a simple, no-fuss dish that still tastes like something I’d order at a restaurant.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and incredibly healthy. Oven grilling gives me all the roasted flavor without needing a grill or outdoor setup. I can customize the seasoning easily, and it works with any type of fish I have on hand. Plus, cleanup is a breeze, which makes it a great go-to weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Fish fillets (tilapia, salmon, snapper, or any firm white fish)
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Olive oil
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Lemon juice
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Garlic, minced
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Paprika
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Dried thyme or oregano
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Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
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Lemon wedges (for serving)
Directions
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I preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
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I pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to help them crisp up slightly.
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I mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and thyme in a small bowl to create a marinade.
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I brush the marinade generously over both sides of each fish fillet.
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I place the fish on the prepared baking sheet and let it rest for about 10 minutes while the oven finishes heating.
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I bake the fish for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness, until it flakes easily with a fork.
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For extra char, I switch to broil mode for the last 2–3 minutes, keeping an eye on it to avoid burning.
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I garnish with chopped fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, so the total time is just 25 minutes—perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Variations
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I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
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For a tropical twist, I mix in some grated ginger and a splash of coconut milk in the marinade.
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I’ve also used herb butter instead of olive oil for a richer flavor.
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If I’m using salmon, I like to top it with thin lemon slices before baking for extra citrusy aroma.
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For a Mediterranean vibe, I toss in olives, cherry tomatoes, and capers around the fish as it bakes.
storage/reheating
To store leftovers, I place the cooked fish in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When I’m ready to reheat, I do it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes, or until warmed through. I try not to microwave it, as it can dry the fish out. If I need to microwave, I do it on low heat and cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?
Yes, I often use frozen fish—just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before marinating and baking.
What’s the best type of fish to use?
I like using firm, mild-tasting fish like tilapia, cod, or snapper, but salmon and sea bass also work really well in this recipe.
Do I need to flip the fish while baking?
No, I keep the fish flat and don’t flip it. Oven grilling cooks it evenly from the top down, especially with the broil finish.
Can I marinate the fish ahead of time?
Yes, I sometimes marinate the fish for up to 30 minutes in the fridge for more flavor, but even 10 minutes works great.
How do I know when the fish is done?
I check that the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque all the way through. The internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C).
Conclusion
Tasty Oven Grilled Fish is a fast, healthy, and flavorful dish I can make any night of the week. Whether I’m craving something light or putting together a full dinner with sides like rice or roasted vegetables, this recipe never disappoints. With a simple marinade and quick baking time, it’s one of those go-to meals that I can count on to deliver fresh, delicious flavor every time.
PrintTasty Oven Grilled Fish Recipe
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Tasty Oven Grilled Fish is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish made with a zesty marinade and baked until tender and flaky. Perfect for a weeknight meal without needing a grill.
- Author: Mayaa
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
- 4 fish fillets (tilapia, salmon, snapper, or firm white fish)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Pat fish fillets dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and thyme to make the marinade.
- Brush marinade over both sides of the fish fillets.
- Place fish on the baking sheet and let sit for 10 minutes while oven heats.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a lightly charred finish, if desired.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Add cayenne or chili flakes for heat.
- Use herb butter or add coconut milk and ginger for flavor variations.
- For Mediterranean flavor, bake with olives, cherry tomatoes, and capers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fish fillet
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
