Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely first, and pat it dry with paper towels before marinating. This ensures the Italian dressing will adhere properly and the fish won't release too much water during cooking.

What's the best Italian dressing to use?

Any Italian dressing you enjoy eating will work wonderfully here. If you prefer a dressing with more herbs, go for it! Like something with a bit more tang? That works too. The beauty of this recipe is how it adapts to your preferences.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can marinate the fish for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator instead of just 20 minutes at room temperature. Longer than that and the acidity in the dressing might start to "cook" the fish, similar to ceviche.

My fish always seems dry when I bake it. How can I keep it moist?

The key is watching the cooking time carefully. Fish cooks much faster than other proteins, and just a few extra minutes can take it from perfectly tender to dry and tough. Start checking it early, and remove it from the oven as soon as it flakes easily with a fork.

Easy Italian Baked Fish Recipe

Name: Easy Italian Baked Fish Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds cod filets (or mahi mahi, haddock, tilapia, grouper, or another mild white fish); ½ cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

Description

This Easy Italian Baked Fish recipe is the ultimate quick and healthy dinner option that’s bursting with flavor. Made with just two main ingredients — mild white fish and Italian dressing — this dish is tender, juicy, and infused with zesty Italian flavors. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, and you can pair it with pasta, salad, or vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Fish

1 1/2 pounds cod filets (or mahi mahi, haddock, tilapia, grouper, or another mild white fish)

Marinade

1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready to bake the fish evenly.
Marinate the Fish:
Place the fish filets in a 9×12 baking dish. Pour the Italian dressing over the top, ensuring the fish is fully coated. Allow it to marinate at room temperature for 15-20 minutes while your oven preheats. This step is key for infusing flavor into the fish.
Bake the Fish:
Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake the fish at 400°F for 12-20 minutes. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the fish filets. For reference:
1-inch-thick filets will take 16-18 minutes.
Thicker filets may need additional time, while thinner ones may need less.
The fish is fully cooked when it easily flakes with a fork and no longer appears translucent or raw inside. If in doubt, use a digital thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 140-145°F.
Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the fish from the oven and serve hot. Drizzle the pan drippings over the fish for added flavor. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Fish Substitutes: Cod is ideal, but mahi-mahi, haddock, tilapia, or grouper will also work.
Cooking Thickness Tip: Adjust baking time based on fish thickness. Thin filets need less time, and thicker ones may require a few extra minutes.
Homemade Italian Dressing: Using homemade dressing can enhance flavors, but store-bought works just fine.
Serving Suggestions: Pair with:
Thin spaghetti or linguine with the pan juices drizzled over.
Steamed or roasted vegetables.
Creamy polenta, a fresh salad, or crusty bread.
Pro Tip: Marinating for 15-20 minutes allows the flavors to deeply infuse, preventing blandness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 oz
Calories: 210
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 380
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 26
Cholesterol: 60mg