Grilled Lemon and Oregano Fish Fillets

There’s something beautifully unfussy about a piece of perfectly grilled fish — especially when it’s kissed with lemon, good olive oil, and fresh oregano. This Greek Lemon-Oregano Grilled Fish recipe brings together everything that makes Mediterranean food so crave-worthy: simplicity, bold flavor, and a focus on fresh, quality ingredients.

Whether you're working with sea bass, snapper, cod, or tilapia, this method delivers crispy-edged, juicy-centered fillets that taste like a seaside taverna in Greece. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, elegant enough for dinner guests, and endlessly customizable with whatever fish is freshest.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Zesty and herbaceous, thanks to a lemon-oregano marinade

• Grilled or pan-seared — works with your setup

• Flexible with any firm white fish

• Naturally gluten-free, low carb, and full of clean protein

• Ready in under 30 minutes

What to Serve it with:

• Lemony roasted potatoes or oven-fried potatoes

• Grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers

• Traditional Greek salad with cucumber, tomato, olives & feta

• Tzatziki or garlic yogurt sauce

• Rice pilaf or orzo with herbs and lemon

Storage & Meal Prep:

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days

• Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet with a splash of olive oil or serve cold flaked into salads or wraps

• Meal prep idea: Serve over quinoa bowls with cucumbers, olives, and tzatziki for a Mediterranean lunch

Final Thoughts:

This Greek Lemon-Oregano Grilled Fish is one of those recipes that proves simple really is best. The lemon brightens, the garlic deepens, and the oregano brings that unmistakable Greek flair. Whether you're grilling outdoors or pan-searing on a weeknight, this dish brings sun-drenched flavor to your table in under 30 minutes.

Pair it with a crisp white wine and a breeze from an open window, and you've got yourself a mini escape to the Aegean.

Yield: 4 servings

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Grilled Lemon and Oregano Fish Fillets

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 10 MinMarinating Time: 30 MinTotal time: 50 Min

There’s something beautifully unfussy about a piece of perfectly grilled fish — especially when it’s kissed with lemon, good olive oil, and fresh oregano. This Greek Lemon-Oregano Grilled Fish recipe brings together everything that makes Mediterranean food so crave-worthy: simplicity, bold flavor, and a focus on fresh, quality ingredients.

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Ingredients

• 4 firm white fish fillets (sea bass, branzino, cod, halibut, or tilapia)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1½ tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh oregano, finely chopped)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Optional garnish: chopped parsley, extra oregano, or a drizzle of olive oil

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the fish fillets in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Pour marinade over the fish and let it sit for 15–30 minutes. Don’t over-marinate or the lemon can start to "cook" the fish like ceviche.
3. Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
4. Stovetop: Heat a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and lightly oil the surface.
5. Remove fish from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Cook fillets for 3–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
6. Resist the urge to flip too soon — let the fish develop a light crust before turning.
7. Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs, and serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Notes

Use fresh oregano when available for a more aromatic finish

Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade

For whole fish: Use the same marinade and adjust cook time (roughly 6–8 minutes per side for whole branzino)

No grill? This works just as well in a hot skillet or under the broiler

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.