Fish with Tomatoes and Olives

This baked fish with cherry tomatoes and olives is a Mediterranean-inspired dish that delivers big flavors with minimal effort. The combination of fresh herbs, bright tomatoes, and briny olives creates a stunning sauce that perfectly complements the delicately seasoned fish.

I first created this recipe during a busy weeknight when I needed something impressive yet effortless. Now it's my go-to dish whenever I'm entertaining guests but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Fish fillets: Preferably white fish like cod or halibut for their mild flavor and flaky texture
• Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor and beautiful color to the fish
• Italian seasoning: A blend of Mediterranean herbs that infuses the dish with aromatic notes
• Cajun seasoning: Contributes a delightful kick without overwhelming the delicate fish
• Chili flakes: Adjust according to your heat preference
• Fish seasoning: Optional but enhances the natural flavors of the fish
• Cherry tomatoes: Select firm bright ones that will burst with sweet juiciness when cooked
• Olives: Preferably Kalamata or a mix of varieties for their rich briny flavor
• Fresh herbs: Parsley and thyme bring brightness and aromatics
• Garlic: Essential for depth and complexity in the sauce
• Butter: Creates a silky richness that brings everything together

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Seasoning:

Mix paprika Italian seasoning Cajun seasoning chili flakes fish seasoning salt and pepper with oil in a small bowl until fully combined. This spice blend will form a flavorful crust on the fish while complementing the tomato olive mixture. Reserve about a teaspoon for the tomatoes.

Season the Fish:

Generously coat both sides of the fish fillets with the seasoning mixture using your hands to ensure even coverage. The oil in the mixture helps the seasonings adhere while also preventing the fish from sticking to the pan.

Sear the Fish:

Heat a pan over medium heat until hot. Place the seasoned fish in the pan and sear for just one minute on each side. You're not trying to cook the fish through at this stage just developing color and sealing in flavor. The fish should have a beautiful charred appearance.

Prepare the Tomato Olive Mixture:

In the same pan after removing the fish add cherry tomatoes olives minced garlic fresh herbs the reserved teaspoon of seasoning and water. Sauté for about three minutes stirring continuously. The tomatoes will begin to soften and release their juices creating the foundation for a beautiful sauce.

Combine and Bake:

Return the seared fish to the center of the pan nestling it among the tomato mixture. Place butter pieces on top of the fish which will melt during baking creating a luscious sauce. Transfer the pan to your preheated oven ensuring your pan is oven safe or transfer everything to a baking dish.

Bake to Perfection:

Bake at 400°F for just 10 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The tomatoes will have burst creating a vibrant sauce enhanced by the melted butter and released fish juices.

Pin it

This dish reminds me of summer evenings spent in coastal Mediterranean towns where the fish is always fresh and the tomatoes taste like sunshine. The olives are my secret weapon in this recipe they add just the right amount of brininess that makes everyone ask for my secret ingredient.

Choosing the Right Fish

While this recipe works beautifully with most fish varieties I particularly recommend cod halibut sea bass or snapper. These fish have a mild flavor that pairs perfectly with the bold tomato olive mixture. Thicker fillets around 1 inch work best as they remain moist during baking. If using thinner fillets like tilapia reduce the baking time by 2-3 minutes to prevent overcooking.

Make It Your Own

This recipe welcomes adaptation based on your preferences and pantry. No olives? Capers make an excellent substitute bringing a similar briny quality. For a spicier version increase the chili flakes or add a diced jalapeño to the tomato mixture. Want more substance? Add thinly sliced potatoes beneath the fish and increase the baking time by 15 minutes or include white beans in the tomato mixture for added protein and texture.

Serving Suggestions

This vibrant dish deserves accompaniments that complement without competing. A simple crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce. For a complete meal serve alongside steamed rice couscous or roasted potatoes. A crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the fish.

Pin it

Enjoy this Mediterranean-inspired dish that's sure to impress!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of fish works best for this dish?

This dish works well with firm white fish like cod, halibut, sea bass, or snapper. These varieties hold their shape during cooking and complement the tomato-olive mixture beautifully. Salmon would also work well if you prefer a richer-tasting fish.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare the seasoning mix and prep the vegetables ahead of time. For optimal texture and flavor, it's recommended to cook the dish just before serving, as fish can become dry when reheated.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

This Mediterranean-style fish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, couscous, orzo, or rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. A simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli make excellent vegetable accompaniments.

→ Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute dried herbs if fresh aren't available. Use about 1/3 the amount called for (approximately 1/2 teaspoon each of dried parsley and thyme). However, fresh herbs provide brighter flavor and better texture in this particular dish.

→ What can I substitute for olives if I don't like them?

If olives aren't to your taste, try capers for a similar briny flavor, or add diced bell peppers or artichoke hearts for texture and flavor without the brininess. You could also simply increase the amount of cherry tomatoes.

→ How do I know when the fish is perfectly cooked?

The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque throughout. For most fillets about 1-inch thick, the recommended 10 minutes at 400°F should be perfect. If your fillets are thicker or thinner, adjust cooking time accordingly.