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Print / PDFEasy Fish Recipes for Dinner: Lemon Garlic Baked Fish
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- Prep Time
- 15 mins
- Cook Time
- 35 mins
- Total Time
- 50 mins
Ingredients
- 4 white fish fillets, such as cod or haddock, about 6 ounces each
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, half juiced and half sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Equipment
- large baking dish — Use a 9x13 inch dish for even roasting.
- small mixing bowl — For mixing the lemon garlic butter.
- whisk — A small whisk blends the sauce smoothly.
- cutting board — For preparing the potatoes, lemon, and parsley.
- instant-read thermometer — Use to confirm the fish reaches 145°F.
Method
- 1
Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- 2
Place the halved potatoes in a large baking dish.
- 3
Toss the potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- 4
Roast the potatoes for 20 minutes.
- 5
Whisk the melted butter, remaining olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- 6
Arrange the fish fillets over the roasted potatoes.
- 7
Pour the lemon garlic butter over the fish.
- 8
Scatter the cherry tomatoes and lemon slices around the fish.
- 9
Bake the fish for 12 to 15 minutes.
- 10
Check that the thickest part of the fish reaches 145°F.
- 11
Sprinkle the fish and vegetables with fresh parsley.
- 12
Serve the fish warm with the roasted potatoes and tomatoes.
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 430 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbs | 28g |
Why You'll Love This Easy Fish Recipes For Dinner
- Everything cooks together in one baking dish for a simple supper and easier cleanup.
- Lemon, garlic, and butter give the fish a bright, comforting flavor.
- Roasted potatoes and juicy tomatoes make this a complete dinner.
- The recipe uses everyday ingredients and takes just 50 minutes from start to finish.
- It is a cozy meal that feels special enough for company but easy enough for a weeknight.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients for a wholesome fish dinner with tender potatoes, sweet tomatoes, and plenty of lemon garlic flavor.
- White fish fillets - 4 fillets, such as cod or haddock, about 6 ounces each
- Baby potatoes - 1 pound, halved
- Cherry tomatoes - 1 cup
- Olive oil - 2 tablespoons, divided
- Unsalted butter - 3 tablespoons, melted
- Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
- Lemon - 1, half juiced and half sliced
- Dried parsley - 1 teaspoon
- Paprika - 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
- Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
How to Make Easy Fish Recipes For Dinner
Plan on 15 minutes of preparation and 35 minutes of cooking time. There is no separate resting time, so this comforting dinner can go straight from the oven to the table.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Let it heat fully while you prepare the baking dish and ingredients.
Step 2: Add the Potatoes
Place the halved baby potatoes in a large baking dish. Arrange them in a fairly even layer so they roast nicely.
Step 3: Toss with Oil
Drizzle the potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss gently until the cut sides are lightly coated.
Step 4: Roast the Potatoes
Roast the potatoes for 20 minutes. This gives them a head start so they become tender and golden while the fish cooks.
Step 5: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, whisk the melted butter, remaining olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
Step 6: Arrange the Fish
Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and arrange the fish fillets over the roasted potatoes. Keep the fillets in a single layer for even cooking.
Step 7: Add the Sauce
Pour the lemon garlic butter evenly over the fish. Let a little sauce run onto the potatoes for extra flavor.
Step 8: Add Tomatoes and Lemon
Scatter the cherry tomatoes and lemon slices around the fish. The tomatoes will soften and release their juices as they bake.
Step 9: Bake the Fish
Return the dish to the oven and bake the fish for 12 to 15 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of the fillets.
Step 10: Check the Temperature
Check the thickest part of the fish with an instant-read thermometer. It should reach 145°F for safe serving.
Step 11: Add Fresh Parsley
Sprinkle the baked fish and vegetables with the chopped fresh parsley. This adds a lovely fresh finish and a pretty touch of color.
Step 12: Serve Warm
Serve the fish warm with the roasted potatoes and tomatoes. Spoon any lemon garlic butter from the dish over each serving.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category/Course | Dinner |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 35 minutes |
| Extra Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
| Dietary | Pescatarian |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Warm, with the pan juices spooned over the fish. |
Pro Tips for Making Easy Fish Recipes For Dinner
- Choose fish fillets that are similar in thickness so they finish cooking at about the same time.
- Pat the fish dry before adding it to the dish. This helps the lemon garlic butter cling to the fillets.
- Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces so they roast at the same rate.
- Begin checking the fish at 12 minutes, since thinner fillets may cook quickly.
- Use an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the fish to confirm it reaches 145°F.
How to Serve Easy Fish Recipes For Dinner
- Serve each fillet with a generous spoonful of roasted potatoes and tomatoes.
- Add a simple green salad or steamed green beans for extra color and crunch.
- Offer warm crusty bread for soaking up the lemon garlic butter.
- Finish the plate with an extra squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
- Let leftovers cool promptly, then place them in a covered container and refrigerate within 2 hours.
- Store the fish and vegetables in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Keep the fish with the pan juices to help it stay moist.
Freezing
- For the best texture, enjoy the fish fresh rather than freezing it after baking.
- If needed, freeze cooled fish and vegetables in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
- Reheat leftovers in a covered baking dish at 325°F until warmed through.
- Add a small splash of water or a little butter before reheating to help prevent dryness.
- Reheat only the portion you plan to eat, since repeated reheating can make fish tough.
Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.
Final Thoughts
This lemon garlic baked fish is the kind of easy, comforting dinner that brings everyone to the table. With tender fish, golden potatoes, and bright roasted tomatoes, it is a recipe worth keeping close.
FAQs
Here are a few helpful answers for making this simple fish dinner just right.
What type of fish works best for this recipe?
Firm white fish such as cod or haddock works beautifully. Choose fillets with a similar thickness so they cook evenly.
Can I use frozen fish?
Yes, thaw the fish completely in the refrigerator and pat it dry before baking. Removing excess moisture helps the sauce cling to the fillets.
How do I know when the fish is done?
The thickest part should reach 145°F when checked with an instant-read thermometer. The fish should also look opaque and separate easily with a fork.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, you can add quick-cooking vegetables such as sliced zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans. Cut them into pieces that will cook in the same time as the fish.
Kitchen notes
Nutrition & sources
Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.
Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.
For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.






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