Name: Easy Baked Fish Cherry Tomato Olive Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 Fish Fillets (about 1-1.5 lbs, such as cod, tilapia, or salmon); 1 teaspoon Paprika; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning; ½ teaspoon Chilli flakes; 1 teaspoon Fish seasoning (optional); ½ teaspoon Salt; ½ teaspoon Black pepper; 3 tablespoons Cooking oil; 2 cups Cherry tomatoes; ¼ cup Olives (pitted); 2 sprigs Fresh Parsley; 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme; 3 Garlic cloves, minced or diced; ½ teaspoon Of the mixed seasoning above

Baked fish with cherry tomatoes and olives is one of those deceptively simple dishes that feels incredibly elegant and tastes absolutely sensational. What’s not to love about flaky, perfectly cooked fish nestled amongst a vibrant medley of sweet, bursting cherry tomatoes and briny, satisfying olives? This is the kind of meal that makes weeknights feel like a special occasion, and weekend gatherings shine without the stress. The beauty of this dish lies in its minimal fuss and maximum flavor, allowing the fresh ingredients to truly sing. It’s a testament to how a few well-chosen components, baked together to perfection, can create something truly memorable. The natural juices released from the tomatoes create a light, flavorful sauce that coats the fish beautifully, while the olives add a delightful salty counterpoint. Get ready to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share this delightful baked fish with cherry tomatoes and olives with you.

Ingredients:

1 Fish Fillets (about 1-1.5 lbs, such as cod, tilapia, or salmon)
1 teaspoon Paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (such as Old Bay or Creole seasoning)
½ teaspoon Chilli flakes
1 teaspoon Fish seasoning (optional, enhances the fish flavor)
½ teaspoon Salt
½ teaspoon Black pepper
3 tablespoons Cooking oil (such as olive oil or vegetable oil)
2 cups Cherry tomatoes
¼ cup Olives (pitted, Kalamata or green olives work well)
2 sprigs Fresh Parsley
2 sprigs Fresh Thyme
3 Garlic cloves, minced or diced
½ teaspoon Of the mixed seasoning above (a blend of paprika, Italian, and Cajun seasonings)

Preparing the Fish and Marinade

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish

Before we get anything else started, let’s get our oven preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This ensures the fish cooks evenly and efficiently once it’s ready. Next, choose a baking dish that’s large enough to hold your fish fillets comfortably in a single layer, with a little room for the vegetables. You can use a glass baking dish, a ceramic one, or even a sturdy metal baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of your cooking oil into the bottom of the baking dish and spread it around to coat. This will help prevent the fish from sticking and will add a little extra richness to the base.

Step 2: Season the Fish Fillets

Now, let’s focus on our star ingredient: the fish fillets. Pat them completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step as it helps create a better sear and allows the seasonings to adhere more effectively. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, chilli flakes, optional fish seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This is our flavor powerhouse! Measure out ½ teaspoon of this combined seasoning blend and sprinkle it evenly over both sides of your fish fillets. Gently rub the seasonings into the fish to ensure good coverage. Don’t be shy; this is where all the delicious flavor comes from. If you’re using thicker fillets, you might want to let them sit with the seasoning for about 10-15 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld.

Assembling the Baked Fish

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables

In a skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of cooking oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced or diced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Burnt garlic can turn bitter, which is something we want to avoid. Now, add the cherry tomatoes and the pitted olives to the skillet. Stir everything together and let the tomatoes cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until they start to soften and their skins begin extract to blister. This process releases their natural sweetness and juices, creating a lovely sauce base. Add the sprigs of fresh thyme to the skillet with the tomatoes and olives. The heat will gently release their aromatic oils, infusing the vegetables with their distinctive herbaceous flavor.

Step 4: Combine and Arrange in Baking Dish

Carefully remove the thyme sprigs from the skillet if you prefer, or leave them in for a more rustic presentation. Spoon the sautéed cherry tomatoes, olives, and any rendered juices from the skillet over the seasoned fish fillets in your prepared baking dish. Ensure the vegetables are distributed somewhat evenly around and on top of the fish. You want each bite to have a delightful mix of tender fish, juicy tomatoes, and briny olives. This combination of ingredients creates a beautiful visual appeal and a symphony of Mediterranean-inspired flavors. The residual heat from the sautéed vegetables will also start to gently cook the bottom of the fish as it bakes.

Baking and Finishing Touches

Step 5: Bake and Garnish

Now it’s time to bake our masterpiece. Place the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 12-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fish fillets and the type of fish you are using. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. The cherry tomatoes should be softened and slightly burst, and the olives will have softened beautifully. To finish, finely chop the fresh parsley. Once the fish is cooked to perfection and removed from the oven, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley generously over the top. The vibrant green of the parsley not only adds a fresh, herbaceous note but also a beautiful visual contrast to the colorful dish. Let the fish rest for a minute or two before serving, allowing the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moister and more flavorful fillet.

Conclusion:

You’ve now mastered the art of creating our delicious Baked Fish with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives! This recipe offers a delightful balance of flaky fish, sweet bursts of cherry tomatoes, and the briny depth of olives, all enhanced by fragrant herbs and a hint of garlic. It’s a wonderfully healthy and satisfying meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a more elegant gathering. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of white fish; cod, haddock, or even sea bass would be fantastic choices.

For serving suggestions, this dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette, fluffy couscous, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices. You can also elevate it by adding a splash of white grape juice to the baking dish before cooking for an extra layer of complexity. Remember, cooking is all about personalization, so feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your preference. We encourage you to try this recipe soon and discover how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen fish! Ensure that you fully thaw the fish before baking and pat it dry thoroughly to remove any excess moisture. This will help the fish achieve a better texture.

What other vegetables can I add to Baked Fish with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives?

You can absolutely add other vegetables! Thinly sliced zucchini, bell peppers (any color), or even some asparagus spears would be delicious additions. Toss them with the tomatoes and olives before baking.