Oven Baked Fish

To prepare a delicious and healthy meal, we start by carefully washing and drying the pieces of fish. This step is essential to ensure a tender and juicy texture of the final dish. Once the fish is clean, we drizzle each piece with a little high-quality olive oil, which will add extra flavor and help caramelize it during baking. We carefully place the fish pieces in a heat-resistant dish, making sure not to overlap them, to allow for even cooking.

In a separate bowl, we prepare a flavorful mixture by combining water with salt, freshly ground pepper, sweet or hot paprika depending on personal preference, dried thyme, which will bring a note of freshness, and mint, which will provide a pleasant and refreshing contrast. We mix all the ingredients well until the salt is completely dissolved. This mixture will turn into a savory sauce that will envelop the fish and infuse flavors into the meat.

We carefully pour this sauce over the fish fillets in the prepared dish. It is important that it evenly covers each piece, so the flavors are distributed equally. After completing this step, we cover the dish with aluminum foil, which will help retain moisture and allow the fish to bake without drying out.

Then, we place the dish in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius and let it bake for 25 minutes. This time is crucial to allow the fish to cook properly and become tender. After this time has passed, we carefully remove the aluminum foil to allow the fish to brown slightly. This will add a crispy texture and a golden, appetizing color.

We return the dish to the oven for another 5-8 minutes, or until the fish is fully cooked, lightly browned, and the sauce has started to reduce, concentrating its flavors. It is essential to ensure that the fish is cooked properly, but without drying it out, so it remains juicy and full of flavor.

Finally, we serve the dish warm, either plain or alongside the preferred side dish. Rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad can perfectly complement this savory dish. This recipe is not only easy to make but also offers an explosion of flavors, making it an excellent choice for a family dinner or a special occasion. Bon appétit!