If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavorful dish that feels like a sunny Mediterranean escape, the Mediterranean Baked Fish with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful recipe combines tender, flaky fish with juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and an aromatic blend of fresh herbs and spices. It’s a simple yet stunning medley that bursts with color, zest, and heartwarming flavors that make every bite feel like a celebration. Easy to prepare and irresistibly healthy, this dish quickly becomes a favorite weeknight dinner or a special occasion treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this recipe. Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and eye-catching color that makes this Mediterranean Baked Fish with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives Recipe so unforgettable.
- Fish fillets: Choose fresh, firm white fish like cod, haddock, or halibut for the best flaky texture.
- Thyme, chopped: Adds a subtle, earthy aroma that complements the fish beautifully.
- Rosemary, chopped: Imparts piney notes that highlight the Mediterranean vibe.
- Oregano, dried: A classic herb that enhances the savory depth.
- Parsley, chopped or dried: Brightens the dish with its fresh, slightly peppery flavor.
- Garlic cloves, minced or paste: Essential for that pungent kick that wakes up every ingredient.
- Basil, chopped (optional): Offers a sweet, herbal sweetness for extra complexity.
- Lemon zest: Adds a zingy brightness that cuts through the richness.
- Lemon juice: Brings acidity that balances the olives’ saltiness perfectly.
- Sweet chilli sauce: Introduces a touch of gentle heat and sweetness.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors harmoniously.
- Black pepper: Provides a mild peppery warmth.
- Olive oil: Creates a luscious base for marinating and baking, giving the fish and veggies a silky finish.
- Cherry tomatoes: Juicy bursts of mild sweetness and vibrant red color.
- Olives, pitted: Offer a salty, tangy pop that’s signature to Mediterranean cuisine.
- Onion, diced: Adds a gentle sharpness and texture contrast.
- Zucchini, diced: Brings a tender, slightly sweet veggie element that soaks up the marinade flavors.
How to Make Mediterranean Baked Fish with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease or line a baking dish to make sure your fish and veggies don’t stick and clean-up is a breeze. This simple first step ensures even cooking and prevents any last-minute scrambling.
Step 2: Whip Up the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped thyme, rosemary, dried oregano, parsley, garlic, optional basil, zesty lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, sweet chilli sauce, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. This marinade is the heart of the Mediterranean Baked Fish with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives Recipe, infusing every bite with layers of herbaceous and tangy flavor. Rub this beautiful blend generously onto both sides of each fish fillet to fully coat and elevate the taste.
Step 3: Coat the Vegetables
Once the fish is marinated, toss the cherry tomatoes, diced onion, zucchini, and pitted olives into the remaining marinade in the bowl. Make sure each vegetable is evenly coated so they absorb those savory, zesty notes, which will roast into a sweet, juicy, and aromatic medley alongside the fish.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the marinated veggies into your prepared baking dish, spreading them out evenly. Place the fish fillets right on top of the veggie bed, allowing the juices from the fish to mingle with the vegetables as they cook. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the fish turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. This gentle baking locks in moisture and lets the flavors meld perfectly.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
After removing from the oven, let your baked fish rest for about 5 minutes. This brief pause allows the juices to redistribute and makes serving easier. Now your Mediterranean Baked Fish with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives Recipe is ready to shine on your plate!
How to Serve Mediterranean Baked Fish with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few extra lemon slices adds a splash of vibrant green and citrus aroma that brightens every forkful. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil at the end can further elevate the smooth texture and emphasize those Mediterranean flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with something light yet satisfying. Try serving it alongside fluffy couscous, herbed quinoa, or buttery new potatoes to soak up the delicious juices. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the meal effortlessly and adds a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the fish and vegetables family-style on a rustic wooden board or a large platter with lemon wedges scattered around. You could also layer the ingredients in individual mini baking dishes or ramekins for a charming personal touch that feels extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your next meal even more delightful.
Freezing
While the Mediterranean Baked Fish with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked veggies separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Fish texture might degrade upon freezing, so it’s better to bake fresh fish when possible.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid drying out the fish. Covering the dish with foil while warming helps preserve moisture and keeps everything tender and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fish fillets for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating to ensure the flavors soak in well and the fish cooks evenly.
Is this dish spicy because of the sweet chilli sauce?
The sweet chilli sauce adds mild heat balanced by sweetness, so the spice level is gentle and will not overpower the delicate flavors of the fish and vegetables.
Can I substitute the olives with another ingredient?
You can swap olives for capers if you prefer—they offer a similar briny burst of flavor that keeps the Mediterranean essence intact.
How do I know when the fish is perfectly cooked?
The fish is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. It should feel tender and moist, not rubbery or dry.
Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, preparing the marinade a few hours ahead allows the herbs and spices to meld, intensifying the flavor. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to use.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joyful experience of biting into a warm, herb-infused piece of Mediterranean Baked Fish with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives Recipe. It’s a dish full of life, bursting with fresh ingredients and sunshine on your plate. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing friends, this recipe is sure to become a treasured classic you’ll reach for again and again. So go ahead, dive into these luscious Mediterranean flavors—you won’t regret it!
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Mediterranean Baked Fish with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Mediterranean Baked Fish recipe features tender fish fillets marinated in a flavorful blend of fresh herbs, garlic, lemon, and sweet chili sauce, baked alongside a vibrant mix of cherry tomatoes, olives, onion, and zucchini. Perfect for a healthy and delicious meal that’s quick to prepare and packed with Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Fish and Marinade
- 2 Fish fillets
- 6 sprigs Thyme, chopped
- 3 sprigs Rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Oregano, dried
- 2 teaspoon Parsley, chopped or dried
- 4 Garlic cloves, minced or 2 teaspoons garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon Basil, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Sweet chilli sauce
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper
- ¼ cup Olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup Olives, pitted
- 1 medium Onion, diced
- 1 Zucchini, diced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400℉ (200℃) and lightly grease or line a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, combine chopped thyme, rosemary, dried oregano, parsley, minced garlic, chopped basil, lemon zest, lemon juice, sweet chilli sauce, salt, black pepper, and olive oil to form a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the fish: Rub the marinade evenly over both sides of the fish fillets to fully coat them and infuse flavor.
- Coat the vegetables: Add the cherry tomatoes, pitted olives, diced onion, and zucchini to the remaining marinade in the bowl. Mix well to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated.
- Assemble in baking dish: Pour the marinated vegetables into the prepared baking dish and spread them out. Place the marinated fish fillets on top of the vegetables.
- Bake the fish: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake at 400℉ for about 15 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Rest and serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Use firm white fish fillets such as cod, halibut, or sea bass for best results.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of sweet chilli sauce or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- The baking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your fish fillets; adjust accordingly.
- For added texture, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts on top before serving.
- Leftover fish and vegetables can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
