If you are craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and brings the essence of sun-drenched shores straight to your dining table, this Mediterranean Baked Fish with Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Herbs Recipe is your new best friend. It combines tender, flaky fish baked with juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and a fragrant mix of fresh herbs that meld beautifully together. Each bite is a refreshing hug of savory, tangy, and aromatic notes, making it perfect for a light weeknight meal or a special weekend treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Mediterranean Baked Fish with Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Herbs Recipe so incredible is how simple yet essential all the ingredients are. Each one adds a layer of flavor, texture, or color that transforms the dish into an irresistible masterpiece.
- Fish fillets (2): Fresh and firm white fish works best for a delicate, flaky texture.
- Thyme (6 sprigs, chopped): Adds an earthy, slightly minty aroma that complements the fish.
- Rosemary (3 sprigs, chopped): Brings piney notes that infuse the dish with warmth.
- Oregano (1 teaspoon, dried): A classic Mediterranean herb that adds depth and a gentle bitterness.
- Parsley (2 teaspoons, chopped or dried): Brightens the dish with fresh, peppery undertones.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Offers a pungent and aromatic base that enhances every element.
- Basil (1 teaspoon, chopped, optional): Introduces a sweet and slightly spicy flavor for extra freshness.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Provides citrusy brightness to cut through the richness of the fish.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a tangy acidity that lifts the whole dish.
- Sweet chilli sauce (1 tablespoon): Balances sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, giving a subtle kick.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances natural flavors and seasoning.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds mild heat and sharpness.
- Olive oil (¼ cup): Essential for rich mouthfeel and helps meld herbs and spices.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup): Burst with juicy, sweet acidity to complement the fish.
- Olives (½ cup, pitted): Deliver briny, salty notes that are characteristically Mediterranean.
- Onion (1 medium, diced): Adds subtle sweetness and texture.
- Zucchini (1 medium, diced): Offers mild flavor and a tender bite that pairs wonderfully with the fish.
How to Make Mediterranean Baked Fish with Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Herbs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400℉, and get a baking dish ready by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Prepare That Flavor-Packed Marinade
Grab a bowl and combine the chopped thyme, rosemary, oregano, parsley, minced garlic, basil (if using), lemon zest, lemon juice, sweet chilli sauce, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Stir everything until it forms a beautiful, aromatic blend that will coat both your fish and veggies with a delicious punch.
Step 3: Marinate the Fish
Take your fish fillets and rub the marinade generously over both sides. This not only seasons the fish but also infuses it with those wonderful Mediterranean flavors that make this dish so special.
Step 4: Toss the Veggies in Marinade
Pour the leftover marinade over the diced onion, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and pitted olives. Mix well so every bite of vegetable is drenched in that herby, garlicky goodness.
Step 5: Arrange and Bake
Spread the marinated veggies evenly in the baking dish, then nestle the fish fillets right on top. Pop this all into your preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the fish is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once baked, let your fish and veggies rest for about 5 minutes outside the oven. This little pause allows the juices to settle, making each bite tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
How to Serve Mediterranean Baked Fish with Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Herbs Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or extra lemon zest on top before serving. A drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil adds a glossy finish and enhances the herbal notes wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This Mediterranean Baked Fish pairs brilliantly with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices, fluffy couscous or quinoa for a wholesome touch, or even a simple green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a vibrant presentation, serve the fish over a bed of wilted spinach or arugula. You can also pile the roasted veggies around the fish on a large platter to share family-style, making it perfect for casual gatherings where everyone can dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The herbs and vegetables hold their flavor well, but the fish is best eaten sooner to enjoy its fresh texture.
Freezing
It’s not recommended to freeze this dish due to the delicate nature of the fish and the fresh vegetables, which may become watery and lose their texture upon thawing.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid drying out the fish. Adding a splash of olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon before warming can help keep the flavors vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fish fillets?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating to ensure the marinade adheres properly and the fish cooks evenly.
What types of fish work best for this recipe?
White, firm-fleshed fish such as cod, haddock, or sea bass work wonderfully because they hold up well during baking and absorb the marinade flavors beautifully.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes! You can increase the amount of sweet chilli sauce or add a pinch of red pepper flakes into the marinade for extra heat according to your preference.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. It’s a balanced, nutrient-rich recipe that keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days, making it perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner on the go.
Can I omit any herbs if I don’t have fresh ones?
Yes, dried herbs can be used as an alternative, but reduce the quantity slightly since dried herbs are more concentrated. The flavor will still be delicious and authentic.
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Baked Fish with Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Herbs Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. It’s fresh, wholesome, and packed with a mix of zesty and savory flavors that make dinner something to really look forward to. I hope you try it soon and enjoy every bite as much as I do!
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Mediterranean Baked Fish with Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Herbs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Mediterranean Baked Fish recipe features tender fish fillets marinated in a fragrant blend of thyme, rosemary, oregano, and garlic, complemented by vibrant cherry tomatoes, olives, zucchini, and onion. Baked to perfection with a splash of lemon and sweet chili sauce, this dish offers a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make meal inspired by Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Fish and Marinade
- 2 Fish fillets
- 6 sprigs Thyme, chopped
- 3 sprigs Rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Oregano, dried
- 2 teaspoons Parsley, chopped or dried
- 4 Garlic cloves, minced or chopped 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 and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine chopped thyme, rosemary, dried oregano, parsley, minced garlic, chopped basil (if using), lemon zest, lemon juice, sweet chili sauce, salt, black pepper, and olive oil to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Fish: Rub the prepared marinade on both sides of the fish fillets thoroughly to infuse the flavors.
- Coat the Vegetables: Add the diced cherry tomatoes, pitted olives, diced onion, and diced zucchini to the remaining marinade in the bowl. Mix well until the vegetables are fully coated.
- Assemble for Baking: Pour the marinated vegetables into the greased baking dish and evenly spread them out. Place the marinated fish fillets on top of the vegetables.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven at 400℉ for about 15 minutes or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle, then serve the baked fish with the vegetables.
Notes
- Use firm white fish fillets like cod, halibut, or sea bass for best results.
- The sweet chili sauce adds a subtle sweetness and mild heat; adjust the quantity based on your heat preference.
- Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like bell peppers or eggplant according to taste.
- Make sure not to overbake the fish to maintain its moistness; cooking time may vary depending on fish thickness.
- This dish pairs well with a side of rice, couscous, or crusty bread to soak up the marinade juices.
