Every time I make this baked fish, I’m reminded how simple ingredients can turn into something comforting without much work. A quick marinade, a handful of fresh herbs, and a short bake in the oven are all it takes to get tender, flaky fish that tastes bright and fresh. What makes this recipe feel special is how the garlic and basil soak into the fish, giving it that warm, inviting aroma that fills the kitchen long before the meal hits the table.
I’ve made versions of this dish for both weeknights and slow weekends, and it works beautifully for both. It’s the kind of recipe you keep in your back pocket for days when you want something that feels homey but doesn’t ask much of you. And when the fish comes out perfectly moist with a hint of citrus, you’ll understand why I come back to this one so often.
Why You’ll Enjoy Making This Fish
This dish falls into that sweet spot where flavor and ease meet. The marinade takes only a few minutes to put together, and it gently seasons the fish without overwhelming it. The garlic brings a warm aroma, the basil adds a fresh note, and the spices round everything out.
One reason I enjoy making this fish is how forgiving it is. Even on days when I’m rushing around, this still comes out juicy. Baking the fish on top of sliced peppers and shallots gives everything a soft, sweet flavor, and the vegetables soak in the marinade as they roast. By the time dinner is ready, the whole dish feels balanced and bright.
It’s one of those meals that fits into almost any kind of evening — quiet, busy, or somewhere in between.
Tips and Tricks From My Kitchen
After making versions of this recipe many times, I’ve picked up a few habits that make it even better:
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Choose a firm white fish. Halibut works beautifully, but cod or haddock hold up just as well.
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Keep the acid gentle. A small amount of lemon keeps everything light without toughening the fish.
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Slice garlic finely. The thinner it is, the more evenly it spreads its flavor.
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Use fresh herbs whenever possible. Basil gives you a bright burst that dried herbs just can’t match.
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Bake just until the fish flakes. I start checking early because fish cooks faster than we think.
These small details help the dish stay delicate without losing flavor.
Make Ahead Tips for Easy Weeknight Cooking
I love prepping this recipe ahead, especially on days when my schedule gets tight. Here’s how I plan:
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Make the marinade earlier in the day. The mixture keeps well in the fridge.
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Slice the peppers and shallots ahead of time. This makes assembling the dish fast and effortless.
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Marinate the fish for about half an hour. It’s long enough to build flavor while keeping the texture soft.
Doing a bit of this work in advance makes the actual cooking feel relaxed and manageable.
Serving Suggestions That Complete the Meal
This dish feels light and fresh, so it pairs well with sides that match that mood:
Lemon rice:
The citrus works beautifully with the basil and garlic and turns the meal into something balanced and satisfying.
Simple salads:
A white bean salad, a green salad, or a bowl of crisp vegetables adds color and crunch.
Roasted vegetables:
Zucchini, carrots, and asparagus all work well with the flavors in this dish.
Warm grains:
Brown rice, couscous, or quinoa soak up the marinade in a lovely way.
Most days, I serve the fish with lemon rice and a bright salad, and it feels like an easy but complete dinner.
Storage
Fish always tastes best the moment it comes out of the oven, but if you have leftovers:
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Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to two days.
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Reheat gently: A low oven or a quick warm-up on the stove helps the fish stay moist.
Leftover fish flakes nicely into rice bowls or salads, making it easy to enjoy the next day.
FAQs
How long should the fish marinate?
About half an hour works well for fillets. Longer marinating times can change the texture, so short and sweet is the goal.
Can I use a different herb instead of basil?
Yes. Parsley, dill, cilantro, or thyme all bring their own personality to the marinade.
Is there a substitute for lemon juice?
A mild vinegar works in a pinch. Keep the amount small to avoid overwhelming the fish.
How do I know the fish is cooked?
It should flake easily when you press it gently with a fork. The flesh turns opaque and lifts apart without resistance.
Can I use frozen fish?
Yes, as long as it’s thawed fully and dried well before marinating.
Easy Baked Fish with Garlic and Basil
This simple baked fish comes together with fresh basil, plenty of garlic, and a light citrusy marinade that keeps every bite tender and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 lb fish fillet such as halibut
- 10 garlic cloves minced
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 15 basil leaves sliced into ribbons
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 bell peppers sliced
- 2 shallots peeled and sliced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dry oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Begin by patting the fish dry and seasoning both sides with salt and pepper so the flavors can sink in.
- Slide the fish into a large zip-top bag, then add the oregano, coriander, paprika, garlic, basil, olive oil, and lemon juice. Seal the bag and gently massage it so the fillet gets fully coated. Let it rest in the fridge for about half an hour or up to an hour.
- Warm the oven to 425°F while the fish marinates.
- Spread the bell peppers and shallots across the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish, then lay the marinated fish on top, pouring the remaining marinade over everything.
- Bake until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, usually around fifteen minutes.
- Serve warm with your favorite bright side dishes.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 249Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 2gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 86mgSodium 193mgCarbohydrates 10gFiber 3gSugar 3gProtein 41g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thought
This baked fish with garlic and basil is one of those recipes that proves good food doesn’t need to be complicated. With fresh herbs, a simple marinade, and a short cooking time, you get a meal that feels bright, tender, and comforting. It’s the kind of dish that comes together effortlessly but still feels special when you sit down to eat it.
