Mediterranean-Style Baked Grouper with Tomatoes and Olives

Baked grouper with Mediterranean flavors of garlic, lemon, cherry tomatoes, and olives. Quick, healthy, and easy seafood recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lb grouper fillet (or similar firm white fish)
• Kosher salt
• 1 tbsp dry oregano
• 1–1 ½ tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 4 large garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of 1 large lemon, plus more for serving
• Extra virgin olive oil (preferably Greek, early harvest)
• 6–8 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
• 6–8 pitted kalamata olives, sliced
• ¼ oz fresh dill, chopped (or other fresh herbs)

Instructions

Prepare the Fish

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Pat the fish fillet dry with paper towels and season both sides lightly with kosher salt.
3. In a small bowl, mix cumin, oregano, paprika, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over both sides of the fish.

Assemble and Bake

4. Place the seasoned fish in a lightly-oiled baking dish. Sprinkle minced garlic on top, drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil.
5. Arrange the cherry tomatoes and sliced olives over the fish.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–13 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Finish and Serve

7. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh dill. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges, if desired.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy Mediterranean-inspired dinner.
• Light, healthy, and full of fresh flavors.
• Minimal prep with maximum flavor from herbs, olives, and lemon.
• Perfect for weeknight meals or casual entertaining.

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Tips

• Pat the fish dry before seasoning to ensure a flavorful crust.
• Use fresh herbs at the end to preserve aroma and color.
• Baking time may vary slightly based on the thickness of the fish fillet.
• Drizzle extra olive oil over the fish before serving for added richness.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Fish: Substitute cod, halibut, snapper, or sea bass.
• Herbs: Try parsley, basil, or cilantro instead of dill.
• Veggies: Add bell peppers, thinly sliced onions, or capers for extra flavor.
• Spices: Swap sweet paprika for smoked paprika for a subtle smoky taste.

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FAQs

Can I use frozen fish?
Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and baking.

How do I know when the fish is done?
The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and the flesh is opaque throughout.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can season and assemble the fish a few hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with roasted vegetables, couscous, or Mediterranean rice.
• Pair with a light green salad or grilled asparagus.
• Add crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
• Drizzle with extra lemon juice or olive oil for enhanced flavor.