Maltese Baked Fish with Potatoes and Tomatoes
A simple yet flavorful one-pan dish featuring flaky white fish baked with tender potatoes, sweet tomatoes, and aromatic Mediterranean herbs.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 Firm white fish fillets(approx. 150-180g each (e.g., snapper, cod, sea bass))
- 3 medium Potatoes(peeled and thinly sliced (2-3 mm))
- 250 g Cherry tomatoes(halved)
- 1 Red onion(thinly sliced)
- 3 Garlic cloves(thinly sliced)
- 0.5 cup Sicilian green olives(pitted)
- 1 Lemon(zest and juice)
- 3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil(plus extra for drizzling)
- 0.25 cup Dry white wine(optional, but recommended)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped, divided)
- 2 tbsp Fresh basil(chopped, divided)
- Sea salt(to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper(to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 200°C (fan-forced 180°C). Lightly grease a baking tray with higher sides.
💡 Tip: Using a tray with higher sides will help contain the juices, creating a light sauce. - 2
Arrange the potato slices in overlapping layers on the base of the tray. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and bake for 20 minutes until just tender.
💡 Tip: Slice the potatoes thinly to ensure they cook through properly during the first bake. - 3
Scatter the red onion, cherry tomatoes, olives, and garlic over the potatoes. Season lightly, drizzle with another 1 tbsp olive oil, and bake for another 10 minutes.
💡 Tip: This allows the vegetables to soften and release their flavors. - 4
Pat the fish fillets dry, then season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Place the fish fillets on top of the vegetables.
💡 Tip: Drying the fish helps it to brown better. - 5
Drizzle the fish with the remaining olive oil and lemon juice. Splash over the white wine (if using). Scatter half the parsley and basil.
💡 Tip: The wine will transform the tomato and lemon juices into a beautiful sauce. - 6
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Sprinkle with the remaining herbs and serve immediately.
💡 Tip: Serve with crusty bread and/or a salad to soak up the delicious pan juices.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use a firm white fish that holds its shape well during baking.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the baking tray; ensure there's enough space for even cooking.
- ✓Adjust the herbs according to your preference; rosemary and thyme also work well.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add sliced zucchini or bell peppers along with the other vegetables.
- Use a mix of black and green olives for added flavor.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.