Name: Mediterranean Fish and White Bean Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1/4 cup olive oil (plus 1 tablespoon, divided); 2 medium shallots, peeled and thinly sliced into rings; 1 Fresno chile (or sweet mini red bell pepper), thinly sliced into rings; 1 large lemon, thinly sliced into 10 slices with seeds removed; 1/2 cup dry white wine; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 can (15-ounce) cannellini beans (or other white beans such as Great Northern), drained and rinsed; 1/2 cup pitted and halved Castelvetrano olives; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 (6-ounce) pieces white fish fillets (such as barramundi, tilapia, cod, grouper, halibut, or sea bass); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 9 reviews

If you are craving a vibrant, healthy, and flavor-packed dinner, the Mediterranean Fish and White Bean Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together delicate white fish fillets nestled on a bed of creamy cannellini beans, bright olives, and aromatic shallots, all infused with the subtle kick of Fresno chile and fragrant oregano. The finishing touch of lemon slices adds a refreshing zing that makes every bite sing. It’s a beautiful, simple skillet meal that feels just as special as a restaurant dish but comes together with straightforward ingredients and steps you’ll love repeating.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with ingredients arranged neatly. At the bottom, two raw fish fillets with light pink and white tones lie on a white cutting board with black edges. Above the fish, there are several small clear bowls containing various ingredients: thin pale yellow lemon slices, pale beige cannellini beans, shiny green olive halves, thinly sliced pink shallots, bright red chile slices, and finely chopped bright green parsley. There is also a small bowl with green dried oregano, and another with a mix of pink salt and black pepper. A cup of light yellow dry white wine and a bowl of clear golden olive oil are positioned near the top left. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one adds a unique layer—whether it’s the tender fish, the creamy beans, or the bright lemon slices—creating a dish that’s balanced in flavor, texture, and color.

Olive oil (1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon): Provides a rich, fruity base for sautéing and drizzling at the end for extra silkiness.
Shallots (2 medium, peeled and thinly sliced into rings): Adds a mild, sweet onion flavor that softens beautifully when cooked.
Fresno chile (1, thinly sliced) or sweet mini red bell pepper: Offers a hint of gentle heat or sweetness to balance the dish.
Dry white wine (1/2 cup): Introduces acidity and depth, elevating the flavor profile without overpowering.
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Lends classic Mediterranean herbaceous notes, harmonizing the ingredients.
Cannellini beans (1 can, 15 ounces, drained and rinsed): Creamy and hearty, these beans make the skillet comforting and filling.
Castelvetrano olives (1/2 cup, pitted and halved): Brings a buttery, briny pop that complements the mild fish perfectly.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
Large lemon (1, thinly sliced into 10 slices, seeds removed): Adds brightness and a fresh citrus aroma to the dish.
White fish fillets (2 pieces, 6 ounces each): Choose mild-flavored fish like cod, halibut, or sea bass for tender, flaky results.
Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): A final garnish that adds color and a burst of herbal freshness.

How to Make Mediterranean Fish and White Bean Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Start the Base

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven warms up, heat the olive oil over medium heat in an oven-safe skillet. Adding the sliced shallots first is key—they’ll soften gently over 3 to 4 minutes, sweetening the base of your skillet without browning or crisping.

Step 2: Add the Fresno Chile and Build Flavor

Next, toss in the sliced Fresno chile rings. This ingredient brings a subtle heat that melds beautifully with the softened shallots. Let the chile cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it too starts to soften, creating an inviting, aromatic base.

Step 3: Deglaze with White Wine and Oregano

Pour in the dry white wine and sprinkle the dried oregano over the skillet. Raise the heat just enough to bring the mixture to a boil, cooking for about one minute. This step helps lift the flavors from the pan and lets the oregano release its fragrant oils.

Step 4: Add Cannellini Beans and Olives

Now it’s time to introduce the creamy cannellini beans and the buttery Castelvetrano olives. Stir these in gently, then season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This combination gives your dish its heartiness and that signature Mediterranean charm.

Step 5: Arrange the Fish and Lemon Slices

Season your fish fillets generously with salt and pepper. Place two lemon slices directly under each fillet in the skillet—it not only infuses the fish with citrus but also helps prevent sticking. After setting the fish down, top each piece with three additional lemon slices for a zesty finish.

Step 6: Drizzle Olive Oil and Bake

Drizzle the final tablespoon of olive oil over the fish and lemon slices. Then, loosely tent the skillet with aluminum foil to keep the beans moist during baking. Pop the skillet into the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit internally.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Spoon some of the luscious pan juices over the fish to keep each bite juicy and flavorful. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve this dish immediately to enjoy the textures and balance at their peak.

How to Serve Mediterranean Fish and White Bean Skillet Recipe

This image shows a white pan with a long handle placed on a white marbled surface. Inside the pan, there is one layer of cooked white beans scattered evenly across the bottom. Mixed in with the beans are whole and halved green olives, some with a smooth texture and a bright green color. Thin slices of red chili pepper are spread throughout, adding bright red tones and a slight shine. The pan interior is slightly stained with light brown cooked bits. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the obvious star here, but feel free to add a sprinkle of finely grated lemon zest or a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil right before serving. Both infuse brightness and elevate the dish’s presentation and aroma effortlessly.

Side Dishes

This skillet meal pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to scoop up the beans and juices or a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette for some crisp contrast. Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables also complement the dish without overpowering its delicate flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive but casual presentation, serve the skillet directly at the table allowing everyone to dive in family-style. Alternatively, plate the fish over a bed of the beans with a small drizzle of the pan juices around and a lemon wedge on the side for added zing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the dish taste even better the next day, but the fish is best enjoyed within this timeframe to maintain its texture.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this recipe because the fish’s delicate texture can become grainy and the beans may lose their creamy quality after thawing. It’s best to enjoy this skillet fresh or refrigerated within a couple of days.

Reheating

When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid drying out the fish. Alternatively, warm it covered in a 300-degree oven just until heated through. Adding a splash of olive oil or lemon juice before serving helps revive the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish?

Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. Mild white fish like cod, halibut, sea bass, grouper, or even tilapia work wonderfully. Just make sure the fillets are thick enough to hold up during baking.

What if I don’t have Castelvetrano olives?

You can easily substitute with other mild green olives or even kalamata olives if you prefer a stronger briny flavor. Each type will lend its own character—just adjust the quantity to your taste.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

Yes! Simply skip the fish and add hearty vegetables like zucchini slices or artichoke hearts. Cooking them with the beans and other ingredients will create a delicious vegetarian skillet that preserves the Mediterranean spirit.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

The Mediterranean Fish and White Bean Skillet Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check your canned beans and olives for any added gluten-containing ingredients. It’s a safe and healthy choice for gluten-sensitive eaters.

How spicy is the Fresno chile in the recipe?

Fresno chiles have a mild to medium heat that adds just a gentle kick without overwhelming the dish. If you prefer less spice, use a sweet mini red bell pepper instead for a similar texture without heat.

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean Fish and White Bean Skillet Recipe is a shining example of how humble ingredients come together to create something truly extraordinary. It’s satisfying, fresh, and perfect for sharing around the table with someone special. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy the bright, balanced flavors as much as I do!