Name: Easy Baked Fish Cherry Tomato Olive Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 lb white fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or snapper); 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning; ½ teaspoon chili flakes; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 3 tablespoons cooking oil; 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; ¼ cup pitted olives, halved; 2 sprigs fresh parsley, finely chopped; 2 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves removed from stems; 3 cloves garlic, minced or finely diced

Baked fish with cherry tomatoes and olives is a weeknight dinner hero for so many reasons. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, allowing you to get a healthy and flavorful meal on the table with minimal fuss, yet it tastes like something you’d enjoy at a seaside trattoria. We all love dishes that offer that magical combination of ease and elegance, and this one absolutely delivers. The sweetness of the bursting cherry tomatoes, the briny punch of Kalamata olives, and the delicate flakiness of the fish create a harmonious symphony of flavors that is utterly irresistible. What truly makes this baked fish with cherry tomatoes and olives stand out is its vibrant Mediterranean flair. It’s a celebration of fresh ingredients, requiring little more than a few pantry staples and a hot oven to transform into something truly special. It’s the kind of meal that feels both comforting and sophisticated, perfect for a busy Tuesday or a relaxed Sunday supper.

Ingredients:

1 lb white fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or snapper)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or Old Bay or Creole seasoning)
½ teaspoon chili flakes
1 teaspoon fish seasoning (optional, if you have it)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons cooking oil
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup pitted olives (such as Kalamata or green olives), halved
2 sprigs fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves removed from stems
3 cloves garlic, minced or finely diced
½ teaspoon of the mixed seasoning (from the paprika, Italian, Cajun, chili flakes, fish seasoning, salt, and pepper blend)

Preparing the Fish and Marinade

Seasoning the Fish

To start, let’s get our fish ready. Pat the fish fillets completely dry with paper towels. This is a really important step as it helps the seasonings stick better and promotes a nicer sear or bake. In a small bowl, we’ll create our flavor base. Combine the paprika, Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, chili flakes, optional fish seasoning, salt, and black pepper. If you’re using fish seasoning, it often contains a good balance of salt and herbs, so you might want to adjust the salt slightly if you add it. Take about half a teaspoon of this glorious seasoning blend and sprinkle it evenly over both sides of your fish fillets. Gently rub it in to ensure every part of the fish is coated. This initial seasoning will infuse the fish with a wonderful depth of flavor as it cooks.

Creating the Aromatic Base

Next, we’ll prepare the vibrant ingredients that will surround our fish. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes and the halved pitted olives. These juicy, briny gems will release their delicious juices as they bake, creating a flavorful sauce. Now, let’s add our aromatics to this mixture. Add the minced or diced garlic, the fresh thyme leaves (gently stripped from their stems), and the finely chopped fresh parsley. The garlic will soften and become sweet, the thyme will release its earthy aroma, and the parsley will add a fresh, herbaceous note. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of the cooking oil over this tomato and olive mixture. Toss everything gently to coat the tomatoes and olives evenly with the oil and herbs.

Assembling and Baking the Dish

Preheating and Pan Searing (Optional but Recommended)

Before we assemble everything, let’s preheat our oven to 400°F (200°C). If you like a bit of texture and a head start on the cooking, you can optionally sear the fish fillets. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned fish fillets into the hot skillet. Sear for about 1-2 minutes per side, just until a light golden crust begin extracts to form. This isn’t about cooking the fish through, but about developing a little color and flavor. If you prefer not to sear, you can skip this step entirely.

Assembling in the Baking Dish

Now, it’s time to bring it all together. If you seared your fish, leave it in the oven-safe skillet. If you skipped the searing step, you’ll need a baking dish or a separate oven-safe skillet. Spread the seasoned tomato, olive, garlic, thyme, and parsley mixture evenly across the bottom of the skillet or baking dish. This will form a flavorful bed for our fish. Carefully place the seasoned fish fillets on top of this vegetable mixture. Ensure they are nestled in and not completely submerged, allowing them to bake evenly. The vegetables will cook down and soften around the fish, infusing it with their wonderful flavors.

Baking to Perfection

Place the skillet or baking dish into the preheated oven. We’ll bake the fish for approximately 12-15 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fish fillets. You’ll know the fish is cooked through when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). The cherry tomatoes should have softened and started to burst, releasing their sweet juices, and the olives will be tender. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage will be absolutely divine, a testament to the simple yet powerful combination of ingredients.

Finishing Touches and Serving Suggestions

Once the fish is cooked to perfection, carefully remove the skillet or baking dish from the oven. The juices released from the tomatoes and the oil will have mingled to create a light, flavorful sauce at the bottom. You can spoon some of this delicious sauce over the fish fillets. For an extra burst of freshness, sprinkle a little more chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving. This Baked Fish with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives is wonderful served hot. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread to soak up all the flavorful juices, fluffy rice, or a simple green salad. Enjoy the delightful flavors of the Mediterranean inspired dish!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – a simple yet incredibly satisfying recipe for Baked Fish with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives! This dish truly embodies fresh, vibrant flavors, and the ease of preparation makes it a weeknight hero. The flaky fish, bursting cherry tomatoes, and briny olives come together in perfect harmony, creating a delightful meal that’s both healthy and delicious. We hope you enjoy making and savoring this wonderful creation as much as we do!

For serving suggestions, this Baked Fish with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives pairs beautifully with a light, crusty bread for soaking up any extra juices, a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, or fluffy couscous. If you’re feeling adventurous, try variations like adding a sprinkle of fresh oregano or basil before baking, or a splash of white grape juice to the tomato mixture for an extra layer of flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What type of fish is best for Baked Fish with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives?

This recipe is quite versatile! White, flaky fish fillets like cod, tilapia, haddock, or even sea bass work wonderfully. You can also use salmon for a richer flavor profile, though cooking times might need slight adjustments.

Can I make Baked Fish with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the tomato and olive mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving for optimal results.