Easy Italian baked fish is just 2 ingredients, simple to make, and so tender and flavorful. Serve over noodles or polenta, or pair with a side salad, for a delicious and healthy seafood dinner!
This post is sponsored by The National Fisheries Institute's seafood education blog, Dish on Fish. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
This year, October marks the first ever National Pescatarian Month!
As you know, I am a huge seafood lover and proponent of eating more and more seafood. We are not pescatarian, but we do enjoy leaning that way on a regular basis. (A pescatarian diet, in case you were wondering, consists of mainly fish and seafood in addition to other plant-based foods.)
I was a health and nutrition editor for 15 years, so I know all about how great seafood is for us, and I try to incorporate it into our meals at least twice a week every week. (That's also what the Dietary Guidelines for Americans calls for.)
I also really love how quick and easy it is to cook seafood. Right up my alley in terms of easy weeknight dinners.
Some of our go-to favorites are southwest baked salmon, Mexican shrimp skillet and honey Dijon salmon.
Today, we're going with another classic at our dinner table, this easy Italian baked fish.
This recipe is just 2 ingredients, y'all. Yup, TWO.
Cod (or mahi mahi or another mild white fish) and some Italian dressing. 🙌
That is all you need! And despite its simplicity, it's really so flavorful!
The marinade time, the flavor of the dressing and baking it in the oven all create a really tender, flaky, infused flavor throughout the fish.
And because it's so easy, you'll be able to incorporate more seafood meals into your family dinner rotation!
(You might also like this buttery baked cod recipe, just 4 ingredients!)
OK, let's get cooking.
Recipe Notes:
Fish: As mentioned, the recipe calls for cod, but you could substitute mahi-mahi or another mild white fish like haddock or tilapia. Grouper would be great too.
Bake time: The total baking time will depend on the thickness of your particular piece of fish. My huge, beautiful, thick piece of cod in these photos was a full inch thick and it was done at 18 minutes. If yours is thicker, add a few minutes. If it's on the thin side, check it at 12-14 minutes. It should flake easily with a fork when it's cooked through and not have any of the translucent or raw appearance on the inside. You can also check it with a digital thermometer. It should be done when it reaches 140-145.
Italian dressing: You can make your own homemade Italian dressing or use your favorite store-bought brand.
Tip: Marinating the fish is key to infusing that flavor and having it come out delicious and not bland. It takes just 15-20 minutes, and it can sit out on the counter to marinate while your oven is preheating.
We enjoy this baked fish recipe just as is, but you could certainly garnish it with some chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
OK, let's get ready to eat!
Serving Ideas:
Serve over thin spaghetti noodles (or something similar like a linguine) with some of the extra juices from the roasting pan drizzled over both. Add a steamed or roasted vegetable and you are set.
You could also pair this baked fish with some creamy polenta.
Or serve as a stand-alone protein alongside a side salad, like Caprese pasta salad or creamy pesto pasta with spring vegetables.
Or serve it with roasted mixed veggies or a big salad and some crusty bread.
Tons of options. You know I love helping you make a recipe work for you.
I hope you give this a try next time you want a hands-off healthy fish dinner. Seafood doesn't have to be complicated and this Italian baked fish recipe proves it.
Happy cooking and enjoy!
XO,
Kathryn
Easy Italian Baked Fish
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds cod filets (or mahi mahi or a similar mild white fish)
- ½ cup Italian dressing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Place the cod in a 9x12 (or similarly sized) baking dish. Pour Italian dressing over the fish and allow it to marinate, at room temperature, for 15-20 minutes.
- Transfer the baking dish to the oven and cook at 400 for 12-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fish. (Fish that's about an inch in size will take 16-18 minutes; larger or smaller will need adjusting from there. See notes below.)
- Serve hot, with extra pan drippings drizzled over the fish.
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Evie says
I'm going to make this for my Aunt tomorrow!
Kathryn Doherty says
Yay, I hope you both enjoy it Evie! 😊
Sara Welch says
Gave this a try for dinner last night and it didn't disappoint! Even my picky eaters gobbled this up! Easily, a new favorite recipe in our home!
Kathryn Doherty says
I'm so happy to hear you all loved it Sara!
Dorothy Reinhold says
Love that simple ingredient list! I bet this is flavorful and delicious.
Kathryn Doherty says
It really is! And you can't beat a really simple dinner on a busy day!
Amanda says
Simple and delicious, that is what it's all about!
Kathryn Doherty says
Agreed! And especially for 2020, right? 😂
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says
This Italian baked fish is looks incredibly delicious!
Kathryn Doherty says
Thanks!
Beth says
Yummy! This looks so delicious and tasty! My daughter and I love fish anything! Can't wait to give this a try!
Kathryn Doherty says
Yay for fish lovers in the family! 🙌
Haley Williams says
Wow this looks so good and easy to make! Love the step by step photos
Kathryn Doherty says
Thanks Haley! 😊
Catalina says
This is my type of dinner! Looks amazing and so inviting!
Kathryn Doherty says
Thanks! 😊
Eden says
Two thumbs up from my picky family! Made it with tater tots and zucchini noodles with everything but the bagel seasoning. Such a nice change of pace. I’m not the best cook and this recipe was not as overwhelming as so many others I’ve seen. I’m a forever follower.
😉
Kathryn Doherty says
I'm so happy this was a hit for your family! And that it was easy for you; totally my goal ☺️ Love those sides for serving it with too - yum!