Baked White Fish with Crispy Potatoes and Creamy Lemon Mayo

There are recipes I keep to myself for years, and there are others I feel compelled to share immediately. This Lemon Mayonnaise belongs firmly in the second category.

It all started on a summer evening when I prepared a simple baked fish for a family dinner. I didn’t want anything too heavy, so I seasoned the fish very lightly. The fish turned out beautifully, but I felt it was missing that one small touch that would take it to the next level. Then inspiration struck: I mixed a little mayonnaise with fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, and served the sauce alongside the fish.

From the very first bite, I knew I had discovered a winning combination.

Since then, almost every fish that comes out of my oven is accompanied by a small bowl of lemon mayonnaise, which, in my opinion, tastes a thousand times better than regular mayonnaise. And the best part? You guessed it — it takes less than two minutes to prepare, yet makes all the difference on the plate.

Which Fish Works Best With It?

Almost any baked or fried fish pairs beautifully with this sauce. Cooked or poached fish, however, is less suitable — unless you happen to enjoy unusual flavor combinations.

My Favorite Baked Fish Recipe

Ingredients

For the Fish

• 800 grams white fish fillets (cod, hake, tilapia, or another white fish; we especially love tilapia)

• 5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 teaspoons dried oregano

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 lemon, thinly sliced

For the Lemon Mayonnaise

• 4 tablespoons mayonnaise

• Juice of ½ lemon

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• A pinch of salt

• A pinch of black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).

2. Arrange the potato slices in a baking dish.

3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with half of the oregano, salt, and pepper.

4. Bake for about 25 minutes, until the potatoes begin to soften.

5. Place the fish fillets on top of the potatoes.

6. Sprinkle the remaining oregano and arrange the lemon slices over the fish.

7. Return to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through.

8. Meanwhile, combine all the lemon mayonnaise ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.

9. Serve the fish hot with the lemon mayonnaise on the side.

Enjoy!