This recipe is inspired by a cooking class I recently took in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, where I learned to make a number of dishes including this gorgeous herbed baked fish with rainbow bell peppers.
The recipe preparation is simple and requires just 10 ingredients. Let me show you how easy it is to make this light, flavorful dish!
To start you’ll cook your onions, peppers, and tomatoes down until they’re soft and just tender. They’ll be added over top the fish later and baked, which creates a vibrant top layer and also creates a sauce for the fish.
Next, you’ll season your fish with oil, salt, a little lime juice, and a blend of herbs. Use whatever you hand on hand — we went with basil, cilantro, rosemary, and thyme.
After a quick sear on the stovetop, you’ll transfer to a baking dish, then top with the cooked peppers. After a short bake in the oven, dinner’s ready!
We hope you LOVE this dish! It’s:
Colorful
Flavorful
Versatile
Light
Satisfying
& Delicious
This would make the perfect weeknight meal to have anytime of year, but it’s especially great for warmer climates or weather. Pair with a glass of white wine and brown or white rice, Green Rice (pictured below), Green Cauliflower Rice, Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Vegan Pesto, Lemony Arugula Salad with Crispy Shallot, or Socca Pizza with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Pesto!
If you’re looking for more light, warm-weather mains, be sure to check out our Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon, Cashew-Crusted Cauliflower Steak, or Curried Chickpea Quinoa Burgers!
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo #minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!
Herb Baked Fish with Rainbow Bell Peppers
Ingredients
FISH
- 1 ½ pounds flaky white fish, skin removed (we used Pacific cod // we think shrimp or even chicken could work here as well — just make sure it’s fresh!)
- 2 Tbsp avocado or olive oil
- 3/4 tsp sea salt (or enough to season both sides well)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (a light dusting over both sides)
- 1 cup fresh chopped herbs (we used fresh thyme, basil, oregano, and rosemary — go for whatever you have on hand)
- 2 Tbsp lime juice
VEGGIES
- 1 Tbsp avocado or olive oil
- 1/2 medium white, yellow, or red onion
- 2 medium tomatoes, stems + core removed, sliced into thin wedges
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium bell peppers, seeds + stems removed, thinly sliced lengthwise (we used green, yellow, orange, and red)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (plus more to taste)
- 1 pinch black pepper
FOR SERVING optional
- Lime wedges
- Cilantro
- Green Rice or Green Cauliflower Rice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190C) and set out a 9×13 (or similarly sized) baking dish.
- Add fish to a shallow dish or plate, drizzle with oil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, herbs, and lime juice. Toss to coat and set in the fridge to marinate.
- Heat a large pot or dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add oil, onion, tomatoes, garlic, and bell peppers. Season with salt and pepper and stir to coat.
- Sauté, stirring frequently, for 8-10 minutes, occasionally covering to allow the peppers to soften. Stop when the peppers are tender but not yet mushy. Set aside.
- Heat a large skillet (cast iron is best) over medium-high heat. Once hot, add fish. Cook for 2 minutes, then carefully flip and cook for 2 minutes more. You aren’t looking for the fish to be completely done — just seared on the outside.
- Transfer fish to your 9×13 (or similarly sized) baking dish. Top with sautéed peppers, tomatoes, and onion and spread the veggies to achieve an even layer.
- Cover with foil and bake for 8-10 minutes, then remove foil and bake for 3-5 minutes more to allow the top to get slightly browned.
- Remove from oven and enjoy. Delicious on its own, or served with Green Rice, Green Cauliflower Rice, cauliflower rice, brown rice, or white rice.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 2-3 days. Or add to freezer-safe tupperware and freeze up to 1 month (though best when fresh). Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
Video
Notes
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated with Pacific cod fillets, avocado oil, and without optional ingredients.
Atara Dahan says
Can I make this without oil?
Hi Atara, You can use water to sauté in step 3. In step 5, the fish might stick to the pan without oil.
Trisha says
I made this with Petrale sole so I didn’t sear it first because it’s a thinner, more delicate fish. Used basil for the herbs. It was cooked perfectly with the time specified to bake in the oven.
Spectacularly beautiful and delicious! — another keeper from this site!
Amazing! Thank you for sharing, Trisha! xo
steve backman says
Love this recipe. If done carefully, could use the same cast iron pan for the vegetables, then the fish, then the baking. Next time…
So glad you enjoyed it, Steve! Thanks for sharing that idea!
nell massion says
This was delicious!!!! I still can’t believe that I was able to prepare this wonderful dinner! The peppers and onions were PERFECT!! I am not a very intelligent cook, BUT this recipe was beautiful in color. I felt like I was at a luau.
Amazing! Thanks for the lovely review, Nell, we’re so glad you enjoyed! xo
Trish says
Wow! I made this last night and my family absolutely LOVED it! Had tons of flavor even though I used dried spices and all the veggies made the fish delicious. I had a little bit of leftovers so used it for a fish tacos for lunch, just added some diced avocado. Will be making this many times again!
Amazing! Thanks so much for the lovely review, Trish! xo
Sandra says
This looks so pretty in your pics! Mine was just okay. I think I overcooked the veggies and the time given was also too much for my fish. We get shipments from Wild Alaskan, and the fish seems to cook more quickly. I doubted myself and went with the times listed and should have followed my gut based on other fish recipes we’ve cooked. I would really like to try this again, but my husband wouldn’t have given it 4 stars. :-(
Not giving it 5 stars was probably due to my own mistakes in cooking the mixture too long. Maybe I can try it again when he’s not home – after COVID!!!
Also, many of us come to your site due to gluten and dairy intolerance. Please don’t stop adding healthy meat recipes. We go meatless sometimes, but I have learned so much about my new diet from you. Ignore the haters! It’s easy to sort your recipes based on what is needed for a particular diet. Thanks for such a great site.
Hi Sandra, thanks so much for the feedback! The bake time will depend on the thickness of the fish. Did yours look similar to the photos? Either way, we’ll see about adding a range for improved clarity. Let us know if you give it another try!
Ericalynn Crawford says
I went searching for something different to do with fish and when I tell you that jawn came out crazy. I mean my family loveeeeed it so much. This is definitely a go to if you wanna switch up fish Friday’s. Will be doing it like this for now on. But hold on the tomatoes. Not my favorite.
We’re so glad you and your family enjoyed it! Thanks so much for sharing!
Roslyn says
This is a great recipe! I added some mushrooms & a zucchini. Very flavorful, loved the lime juice! Had it on top of quinoa.
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Roslyn! Thanks so much for sharing!
X says
Hello – could you substitute lemon for lime? thanks!
We think that would work!
Keegan says
Hi, this recipe looks amazing! I’m planning on making it next week, but I have one question: I have a family member who absolutely hates tomatoes, so what veggie(s) would you recommended adding in place of the tomatoes?
Thanks!
Hi Keegan, we haven’t tried it, but we think you could sub more bell pepper or perhaps zucchini? Let us know if you try it!
Eugenia Vomvoridi-Ivanovic says
Like all the other of your recipes I have tried, it was delicious and super easy to make. I substituted the 1 cup of fresh herbs with 1 Tbs of herbs of Provence and 1/4 cup fresh basil and mint. I also used frozen wild Pacific cod fillets and just cooked in the oven for 5 minutes longer. I made this thinking we would have leftovers for today, but it was so good, my partner and I had it for both lunch and dinner and it was gone! I am definitely making it again. Thank you!
Yay! We’re so glad you both enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing!
Hilary says
Holy. Moly. This was an AMAZING recipe! I would make it everyday if my husband would let me. It was incredibly quick and easy, and the flavour was out of this world. I used tilapia as my fish, and cilantro and dill for the herb mix. The flavours were incredible. This will definitely be in my regular rotation.
Holly says
I made this with halibut and it was absolutely delicious! I ended up using one pan to saute and then bake and it was brilliant. I’m wondering if you or any followers have made it with salmon?
We haven’t, but it might work! Let us know if you try it!
Jim DeVitto says
I had the ingredients on hand so I made it following the directions exactly. That said, it was easy to make and tasted outstanding. Everyone loved it and I’ll definitely be making it again. Thank you!
Wonderful – thanks or sharing, Jim!
Tp says
Loved this dish! Flavours were perfect
d says
Your cutting board recipe shows a jalapeño, but it isn’t in the recipe, did you use one and when did you put it in?
Optionally you can add it in when sautéing the peppers and onions :D
Corey says
Hi! First of all, this recipe looks amazing! I was wondering what you thought about freezing/thawing leftovers? I’m trying a super annoying histamine reducing diet at the moment. Thanks and I will definitely come back and rate it when I make it!!
We have frozen and reheated the fish successfully! If you plan to freeze and reheat the veggies, we would suggest slightly undercooking them so that when they are heated they do not get soggy. Hope that helps!
Renay says
I might skip transferring the seared fish to a baking dish and instead bake it in the cast iron skillet after topping with the veggies. Any reason not to do it that way?
That will work, too!
Tami says
Made this using halibut. It was a hit. Served it with Green rice. My son who never eats vegetables cleaned his plate!
Sihle says
OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OH MY GOD THIS WAS SO DELICIOUS AND EVEN BETTER THE NEXT DAY!!!
Jeremy says
This was yummy, thanks for sharing so many wonderful recipes.
Thanks so much for the lovely review, Jeremy. We are so glad you enjoyed it! Next time, would you mind leaving a rating with your review? It’s super helpful for us and other readers. Thanks so much! xo
Claire Beaulieu says
This recipe was delicious! We used red snapper, fresh thyme and basil with dried oregano and rosemary. LOVED IT! We made along with the green rice which we used sprouted brown basmati rice. Perfect combination. As always, another outstanding recipe Dana! Thank you!
xoxo! Thanks, Claire!
Milie says
Hello! Would I just use a random combo of all the herbs you listed? Or do I just pick one herb and use that? Looking to make this recipe this week! Thanks!
A random combo is fine, whatever you have on hand :D
Bronte Goldberger says
Hi Dana,
As a fellow vegan, I have recently been toying with the idea of incorporating eggs and fish back into my diet, as I feel it may actually be better for my health.
I’ve been mainly vegan (minus Ben&Jerrys) for a few years now, and am struggling to re-incorporate these things into my diet. They seem ‘scary’, and I am struggling with the implications of eating animals and animal-by-products again.
As a dedicated reader of yours for many years now, I would highly appreciate hearing about your journey and decision. I believe it would be very educational for many vegans (myself included) who may be toying with similar thoughts and experiencing similar health issues.
All the best and looking forward to making many more of your dishes,
Bronte Goldberger
Bronte, thanks for the honesty and thoughtful feedback. I’ve considered sharing more about that and may sometime in the future. Ultimately, what type of diet to eat is everyone’s personal decision to make so it may just require more time and experimentation on your end to make the switch.
A says
Bronte – Can I ask if you ever decided to add eggs and fish back into your diet? I’m in the same situation as I’m struggling with digesting most plant based foods. I have seemed to have developed IBS and I suspect it’s because of excess carbs and certain sugars in beans. I have added eggs back but am struggling with fish. I went vegan for ethical reasons so the idea of eating them is terrifying to me but I’m having a hard time getting protein and good fats in without major digestive issues. I’m also struggling with justifying fish over other animals because I would never be comfortable eating mammals again. Just thought I’d ask since I’m too nervous to ask the vegan community if anyone has made any changes.
Bronte Goldberger says
Hello A!
Thank you for reaching out. It sounds like we are very much in the same boat.
I have been vegetarian/vegan for roughly a decade. While I am luckily not having IBS issues, my joints feel chronically inflamed, I have lower energy and find it difficult to feel full and ‘vibrant’. At 25 years of age, I think it may be time to incorporate more omega-3/6 foods with higher protein content and see if that will help.
I too went vegan for ethical reasons and this is the main reason I am struggling to incorporate these foods back in. Here is my plan of action:
1) Eat one bite of fish every time I am out with my friend/parent/boyfriend when they order it. The goal is to try and get the taste back for it and see how I like it cooked.
2) Research ethically sourced fish, and which fish is seasonally available based on the Ocean-Wise standards (http://seafood.ocean.org/)
3) Learn about where the food is coming from, and try to ‘balance’ out my conscience by donating to charities that are working on making seafood industries more sustainable, or have highly ethical practices.
4) For eggs, I will order them if I am out to eat for breakfast and its labelled cage-free. While I know this is not actually a garuantee, I need to start somewhere.
5) There are a few nice local food markets where I live so I make sure to buy any eggs and fish (in the future) straight from the source. I feel this is the best way to vote with my dollar about how to source these foods. While it is more expensive, I believe it is worth it.
Thanks for sharing, Bronte!
Akansha Mehta says
It is a wonderful recipe of herb baked fish with rainbow bell peppers. This dish is easy to make and includes the simple ingredients. The recipe is explained in a video as well and it includes simple ingredients. It is very delicious and healthy for the non vegetarian people.
Amy Plazola says
Made this tonight along with the green rice. Huge hit! So flavorful! I had fresh shrimp so I used that instead. I sautéed it for a few minutes in olive oil before putting in the pan and covering with the vegetables. Soooo good! Thank you so much! This will be on repeat.
Yay! Thanks for sharing! Such a good combo ;D
Lauren says
As a pescatarian, I’m excited to see this recipe. I respect the convictions of those who are disappointed, but what you eat is a very personal decision with many contributing factors (health, relationships, beliefs, and so on). I don’t really understand the need to judge and condemn others. And saying you’ll only make vegan recipes from vegan-only websites seems pretty close-minded and self-limiting to me. I frequently encourage my die-hard-carnivore friends to check out vegetarian/vegan recipes and sites, as I think the world benefits from more cross-pollination, and this type of attitude makes it harder to get people to even TRY a vegan meal. But to each their own!
AP says
I couldn’t agree more! I’ve been a dedicated follower of your blog for many years now and I am decidedly flexitarian. I eat a predominately vegetarian diet with the occasional addition of fish, chicken, eggs, or turkey. Your recipes are outstanding and your blog is an inspiration. Please keep sharing your delicious recipes using whatever ingredients that work for you and I will continue to enjoy them. Your choice of what to eat, cook, or blog about is indeed a personal decision and I stand behind you 100%. I choose not to judge what other people eat but to instead focus on my own personal health and wellness journey, and I hope others will follow suit (especially since they can modify the recipes as they see fit). I applaud your courage and kindness in responding to the few naysayers/critics out there. Thank you again for all of the amazing recipes that have brought so much joy to my family and friends. Keep ‘em coming!
Thanks for the support!
Astrid says
Personally I like the transition to more varied dishes as I am not vegan, and can’t eat all plant based foods due to a salicylate intolerance.
Alison says
This was delicious! I didn’t have any fresh herbs on hand so just used dried rosemary, and swapped out the tomatoes for zucchini. So summery and wonderful. Thanks!
Yay! Thanks, Alison!
Ayana says
Can you make vegan papusas?
We’ll add it to our list!
elif says
I have been a huge fan of your recipes and tried many of them over the years with confidence that the recipes on this site are vegetarian / vegan. When I saw this recipe posted, I thought that this was going to be a “mock fish” recipe and was disappointed to see that real fish was used. Is there any particular reason that the recipes on this site is going from being vegetarian /vegan to not?
I would like to continue visiting your website and try your recipes however if this is going to turn into another site just with recipes instead of vegetarian / vegan recipes I am going have to remove it from my favorites and not recommend it to anyone else. Thanks and please go back to solely vegetarian / vegan recipes!
Trevor says
Boooooooo! You make us vegans look bad. You’re like a proselytizing Christian.
Minimalist Baker brings the heat for all to enjoy.
OpsieMary says
You can, however, take inspiration fro the recipes and turn them vegan yourself. Not everyone can be a vegan, and some health problems just dont allow it. Why not simply support her, because the gave us so many good vegan recipes (and will continue to), and is helpful if you are polite to ask for a vegan alternative.
Lisa Bryan says
Love a simple baked fish recipe and it looks so flavorful with the tomatoes and bell pepper. Will definitely have to whip this up!
Whoop!
Isabella says
Would it be possible to make this entirely on the stove, not using the oven?
Thanks
I think so! One option would be to cook the peppers / tomatoes first, then in a separate large pan or pot sear fish on one side, flip, add the peppers, cover and cook for 5-10 minutes.
Isabella says
I ended up using our traeger smoker in place of the oven, worked very well! The result was delicious limey goodness with some smokey undertones. The fish was tender and bell pepper was just the right balance of soft and crisp. Thanks for the recipe, pleased the whole family.
I used 1/2 cilantro 1/2 parsley.
Yay! Thanks for sharing!!
Jack Cody says
Good recipe. Easy instructions. Healthy and tasty. Cooked for my family and they loved it. Thanks
Thanks for sharing!
Work Live Cook says
In Spain we love baked peppers dishes like this one, as a side dish or as a base for some other one.
We call it piperrada.
Lovely colours as usual!
Lovely! Thanks for sharing!!
Nathalie says
WoW this looks Yummy.
Will give it a try!
Sarah says
Definitely giving this a try!! With half fish and half tofu, as I am vegan and my husband is not!
Lovely idea! Let us know how it goes!
Robin says
I think your recipes are wonderful and really enjoyed them. Therefore, I am sad that I got a recipe which includes a dead animal, since so far I had the impression that this is a site which is respectful of the lives of animals and have been excited to get the recipes in my inbox. With the highest love and respect, a decision that hurts another living being is not a personal decision. I feel really uncomfortable that instead of opening an exciting recipe (I was thinking mock fish) it’s one that involves a death & the further depletion of the ocean- though we’re taught not see these things or to brand people who mention them as militant or oversensitive. Wishing you all the best.
Robin, thanks for the thoughtful feedback. We are sharing recipes that are true and authentic to us in this season of life. We totally understand if we are no longer a good fit for you. Thanks for your support thus far!
Grace says
Yuss!!! I am so stoked to see such a beautiful fish recipe up for grabs. This looks AH-MAZING!!!! I will definitely let you know if I give this a try. Thank you so much guys I feel so inspired by this recipe
xoxo!
Tina says
Oh my gosh, that looks so good, I’m already hungry for dinner and it’s barely 8:30am!
Hope you love it!
Zahrah says
This sounds very good! I have some extra chicken breasts left over from a recipe, so would you have a recommendation on how long to cook them in the oven? Obviously the time here is shorter since it’s fish. :) thanks!
Ooh, smart idea! I’d say still searing and then baking for at least 20 minutes. Check the internal temperature (165 F for chicken) to ensure doneness, or simply cut into one and make sure they’re cooked through. Let us know how it goes!
Ken Thacker says
Wondering if fresh river bass would work in this recipe? A friend brought me some by the other night, would like to try it in a new recipe. Love trying your recipes.
I don’t know why not! Let us know how it goes!
Allison King says
What happened to being vegan?
Oh my gosh! I’m highly disappointed.
Hi Allison, while Minimalist Baker will continue sharing plenty of simple plant-based recipes, we also began incorporating some egg and meat dishes this year as my diet has shifted to better support my health. If you’d prefer to only see vegan recipes, you can go to our recipe page and select “recipe type” -> “vegan.” You can also subscribe to a vegan-only email list by selecting that option at the bottom of any email we’ve sent you recently (or if you sign up as a new subscriber, there’s an option to receive only vegan recipes). Hopefully that helps clarify!
allison says
Great recipe, but too many pots & pans. I will try to make using only my cast iron skillet, searing, sauteeing and baking. (I hate washing dishes). :)
Let us know if you give it a try!
Jen says
So you aren’t doing vegan anymore? When did you change?
Hi Jen, while Minimalist Baker will continue sharing plenty of simple plant-based recipes, we also began incorporating some egg and meat dishes this year as my diet has shifted to better support my health. If you’d prefer to only see vegan recipes, you can go to our recipe page and select “recipe type” -> “vegan.” You can also subscribe to a vegan-only email list by selecting that option at the bottom of any email we’ve sent you recently (or if you sign up as a new subscriber, there’s an option to receive only vegan recipes). Hopefully that helps clarify!
Isa says
I’m also disappointed and surprised. You don’t need to copy and paste the answer as you did with the other comments above. Just thought I’d expressed what my views are. Thanks for all the great recipes, just wished you’d be more committed to a cruelty-free lifestyle.
Alex Entner says
Wow, sorry for all the level 5 vegan hate. I’m vegan and semi-creative so I feel like any new recipes can easily be swapped with vegan options without giving you flack or feeling the need to comment. Besides those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. There are about 900 other things that are destroying other species and the planet (ie palm oil, fracking, coal powered electricity, the creation of plastic-an oil byproduct, not recycling every last thing, etc) that all vegans partake in. We shouldn’t judge other people. I love all your recipes and think you are doing a fabulous job providing FREE content. Keep up the fabulous work and I look forward to reading your recipes whether they are vegan or not ;)
Thanks for the support : )