Irresistible Baked Fish with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives

This Baked Fish with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives recipe is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender fish fillets with the fresh flavors of cherry tomatoes, olives, and aromatic herbs. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, bringing a burst of Mediterranean taste to your table.

My husband and I discovered this recipe during a summer vacation on the coast, and it quickly became a family favorite. The vibrant colors and rich flavors remind us of those carefree days by the sea. Now, it’s a staple in our household, especially on busy weeknights when we want something delicious yet simple to prepare. Even our picky eaters can’t get enough of it!

Why This Baked Fish with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives?

Mediterranean Delight: The combination of cherry tomatoes, olives, and fresh herbs brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your kitchen.
Healthy and Nutritious: This dish is packed with protein from the fish and antioxidants from the tomatoes and olives.
Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe requires minimal prep and cooks in just 10 minutes in the oven.
Versatile: You can easily substitute the fish with your favorite type and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Ingredients

To Season the Fish:

1 fish fillet
1 teaspoon (5g) paprika
1 teaspoon (5g) Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon (5g) Cajun seasoning (Old Bay or Creole seasoning)
½ teaspoon (2.5g) chili flakes
1 teaspoon (5g) fish seasoning (optional)
½ teaspoon (2.5g) salt
½ teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper
3 tablespoons (45ml) cooking oil

For the Tomatoes and Olives:

2 cups (300g) cherry tomatoes
¼ cup (40g) olives
2 sprigs fresh parsley
2 sprigs fresh thyme
3 garlic cloves, minced or diced
½ teaspoon (2.5g) of the mixed seasoning above
2 tablespoons (30ml) water
3 tablespoons (45g) salted butter
Pinch of salt and pepper

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400℉ (200℃) and let it preheat.
Prepare the Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix the paprika, Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, chili flakes, fish seasoning (if using), salt, and black pepper. Reserve 1 teaspoon of this mixture for the tomatoes.
Season the Fish: Rub both sides of the fish fillet with the seasoning mixture.
Sear the Fish: Heat the cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Sear the fish for 1 minute on each side until it’s charred but not fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Sauté the Tomatoes and Olives: In the same pan, add the cherry tomatoes, olives, parsley, thyme, garlic, reserved seasoning mix, water, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring continuously.
Combine and Bake: Place the fish back in the pan, nestling it among the tomato and olive mixture. Add the butter on top of the fish. If your pan isn’t oven-safe, transfer everything to a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the fish is fully cooked.
Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately with your favorite side dish.

Notes:

Fish Substitutions: This recipe works well with various types of fish, such as cod, halibut, or tilapia. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish fillets.
Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with a side of steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information: This recipe is rich in protein, healthy fats, and vitamins from the fresh ingredients, making it a wholesome choice for a balanced diet.