When you want something light, wholesome, and packed with Mediterranean flavor, this Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Simple Steamed Fish is a fantastic go-to. With sweet peppers, soft leeks, and juicy orange creating the perfect steaming base, this dish brings out the best in white fish. I made it on a warm evening and loved how fresh and easy it was. (inspired by Jamie Oliver)
Ingredients Needed
- 4 x 150g white fish fillets, skin off and pin-boned
- 3 mixed-colour peppers, chopped
- 1 large leek, sliced
- 10g fresh oregano (about ½ a bunch)
- 1 large juicy orange
How To Make Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Simple Steamed Fish
- Salt the Fish:
Start by generously coating your white fish fillets with sea salt. This helps to firm up the texture and enhances the flavor. Set the fish aside while you prep the rest. - Cook the Vegetables:
Wash and slice your leek, and chop the mixed peppers into bite-sized 2cm chunks. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large casserole-style pan over medium heat. Add the leeks and peppers, season lightly, and cook for about 15 minutes until soft and just golden, stirring regularly. - Make the Orange-Oregano Dressing:
Meanwhile, pick the oregano leaves and crush them with a pinch of salt in a pestle and mortar. Add half the juice from your orange, 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Mix into a smooth, herb-packed dressing and set aside. - Steam the Fish:
Rinse the salt off the fish fillets and gently pat them dry. Nestle the fish right into the bed of cooked vegetables. Pour over the remaining orange juice and about 100ml of water. Cover the pan with a lid and steam on low heat for 7 minutes, or until the fish is just cooked through and flaking easily. - Serve It Up:
Drizzle that beautiful orange and oregano dressing all over the fish and vegetables. Serve hot and enjoy this bright, zesty take on simple steamed fish.

Why I Love This Recipe
This is a brilliant dish for when you want to eat something clean and flavorful without it feeling bland. The orange adds this lovely sweetness that plays so well with the earthy oregano, and steaming keeps the fish juicy and tender. It’s a dish that’s gentle but exciting at the same time.
Recipe Tips
- Salt the fish in advance. It helps improve the texture and seasoning, but remember to rinse it before cooking.
- Chop veggies evenly. This ensures they cook at the same rate and become sweet and soft together.
- Make the dressing fresh. The combo of fresh oregano and orange juice makes a huge difference—don’t skip it.
- Low and slow steaming. Keeps the fish tender and prevents overcooking.
- Check doneness with a fork. The fish should flake easily when it’s ready—about 7 minutes of gentle steaming is perfect.
How To Store Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Simple Steamed Fish
- In the Fridge:
Cool leftovers completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. - Reheating:
Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to prevent dryness. Avoid the microwave if possible—it can toughen the fish. - Freezing:
Not recommended. The delicate texture of the steamed fish won’t hold up well after freezing and thawing.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What kind of white fish works best?
Cod, haddock, or sea bass are all excellent choices—just make sure it’s boneless and skinless. - Can I use bottled orange juice?
Fresh orange juice gives the best flavor here, so try to use a real orange if possible. - What can I use instead of oregano?
Fresh thyme or parsley would also work nicely if you’re out of oregano. - Do I need a steamer basket?
Nope! This recipe steams the fish right in the pan over the veggies and liquid—it’s super easy. - Is this good for meal prep?
Yes, just store the dressing separately and reheat gently to avoid drying out the fish.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 276 kcal
- Fat: 14.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.1g
- Protein: 29.1g
- Carbohydrates: 7.6g
- Sugars: 7g
- Salt: 1.3g
- Fibre: 2.6g
Try More Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Recipes:
- 5 Ingredients White Fish Stew
- 5 Ingredients Quick Salt Cod
- 5 Ingredients Lime-cured Sea Bass
- 5 Ingredients Harissa Sea Bass
Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Simple Steamed Fish
Course: 5 Ingredients Recipes4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalFlaky white fish with sweet peppers, leeks, and zesty orange—simple, fresh, and full of Mediterranean charm.
Ingredients
4 x 150g white fish fillets
3 mixed-colour peppers
1 large leek
10g oregano leaves
1 large orange
Directions
- Salt fish fillets and set aside.
- Chop peppers and slice leek. Sauté in olive oil for 15 minutes until soft and golden.
- Pound oregano with salt, mix with orange juice, red wine vinegar, and olive oil for dressing.
- Rinse salt off fish, nestle into veggies with remaining orange juice and 100ml water. Steam for 7 minutes.
- Serve with orange dressing drizzled over the top.