Baked Fish with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives

There’s something magical about the combination of perfectly seared fish nestled among vibrant cherry tomatoes and briny olives. This recipe reminds me of those lazy summer evenings by the Mediterranean coast, where simple ingredients transform into extraordinary meals. What started as my attempt to recreate a dish from a small Greek taverna has become my go-to weeknight dinner that never fails to impress.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—fresh fish gets a gorgeous golden crust from a quick sear, then finishes cooking gently in the oven while surrounded by a medley of tomatoes, olives, and aromatic herbs. Moreover, the entire meal comes together in just 22 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something both healthy and satisfying.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

Quick and Impressive: Despite its elegant presentation, this dish requires minimal prep time and delivers restaurant-quality results. Furthermore, the one-pan approach means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.

Nutritionally Balanced: Packed with lean protein, heart-healthy fats from olives, and antioxidant-rich tomatoes, this recipe checks all the boxes for a wholesome dinner. Additionally, the Mediterranean flavors provide a burst of vitamins and minerals.

Versatile and Forgiving: Whether you’re cooking for a romantic dinner or a family meal, this recipe scales beautifully. Even better, it works with various types of firm fish, so you can use whatever looks freshest at your local market.

Flavor Explosion: The searing technique locks in the fish’s natural juices, while the tomatoes and olives create a naturally flavorful sauce that infuses every bite with Mediterranean sunshine.

Essential Ingredients

For the Fish Seasoning

1 fish fillet (cod, halibut, or snapper work beautifully)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or Old Bay/Creole seasoning)
½ teaspoon chili flakes
1 teaspoon fish seasoning (optional but recommended)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons cooking oil

For the Mediterranean Medley

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup mixed olives (Kalamata or green work wonderfully)
2 sprigs fresh parsley, chopped
2 sprigs fresh thyme
3 garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon of the mixed fish seasoning
2 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons salted butter
Pinch of salt and pepper to taste

Equipment Needed

Oven-safe skillet (cast iron preferred) or baking sheet
Small mixing bowl for seasonings

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparation Phase

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Meanwhile, gather all your ingredients and have them ready—this recipe moves quickly once you start cooking.

Step 2: In a small bowl, combine paprika, Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, chili flakes, fish seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Reserve 1 teaspoon of this mixture for the tomatoes later.

Creating the Perfect Sear

Step 3: Gently pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels—this crucial step ensures a beautiful golden crust. Next, rub both sides of the fish generously with the seasoning mixture, allowing the spices to adhere well.

Step 4: Heat oil in your oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully place the fish in the pan. Sear for exactly 1 minute per side until you achieve a gorgeous golden crust. Remember, the fish won’t be fully cooked at this stage—that’s perfectly normal.

Step 5: Transfer the seared fish to a plate and set aside temporarily.

Building the Mediterranean Base

Step 6: Using the same skillet (don’t clean it—those flavorful bits are gold!), add cherry tomatoes, olives, fresh herbs, minced garlic, reserved seasoning, water, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 7: Sauté this mixture for approximately 3 minutes, stirring continuously. The tomatoes should just begin to soften and release their juices, creating a fragrant base.

Final Assembly and Baking

Step 8: Create a small well in the center of the tomato mixture and nestle the seared fish back into the pan. Top the fish with chunks of salted butter—this will melt and baste the fish as it bakes.

Step 9: Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Serving Suggestions

This Mediterranean masterpiece pairs beautifully with various sides that complement its bright, herbaceous flavors. Consider serving it over a bed of fluffy quinoa or wild rice to soak up the delicious pan juices. Alternatively, crusty sourdough bread makes an excellent choice for mopping up every last drop of the tomato-olive sauce.

For a lighter option, serve alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens provide a lovely contrast to the rich, savory fish. Additionally, roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini round out the meal perfectly.

Creative Recipe Variations

Protein Alternatives

While firm white fish works best, you can experiment with salmon fillets for a richer flavor profile. Chicken thighs also work wonderfully—just increase the cooking time to 18-20 minutes.

Vegetable Additions

Feel free to add thinly sliced red onions, bell peppers, or zucchini to the tomato mixture. These vegetables will caramelize beautifully in the oven, adding extra depth and nutrition.

Herb Substitutions

If fresh herbs aren’t available, substitute with 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and basil. However, fresh herbs truly make a difference in this recipe’s final flavor.

Mediterranean Twist

For an extra Greek influence, add crumbled feta cheese during the last 3 minutes of baking. The cheese will soften slightly and add a creamy, tangy element.

Make-Ahead Tips

This recipe works best when prepared fresh, but you can certainly prep components ahead of time. Season the fish up to 4 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator—this actually improves the flavor as the spices have time to penetrate the fish.

Similarly, you can wash and chop your tomatoes and herbs earlier in the day. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

The seasoning blend can be mixed days ahead and stored in an airtight container. This makes weeknight cooking even more streamlined.

Professional Notes

Moisture Management: Always pat fish dry before seasoning. Excess moisture prevents proper searing and can make your fish steam rather than develop that coveted golden crust.

Fish Selection: Choose firm-fleshed fish varieties like cod, halibut, or snapper. These types hold their shape beautifully during both searing and baking processes. Conversely, avoid delicate fish like tilapia or flounder, as they tend to fall apart with this cooking method.

Pan Selection: A cast-iron skillet distributes heat most evenly, but any oven-safe pan works well. If your pan isn’t oven-safe, simply transfer everything to a baking dish before placing in the oven.

Temperature Accuracy: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your fish reaches 145°F internal temperature. This guarantees food safety while preventing overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen fish for this recipe? A: Absolutely! Just ensure the fish is completely thawed and patted thoroughly dry before seasoning. Frozen fish often contains more moisture, so extra drying time is essential for achieving that perfect sear.

Q: What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet? A: No problem! After searing the fish and preparing the tomato mixture, simply transfer everything to a regular baking dish. The results will be just as delicious.

Q: How can I tell when the fish is perfectly cooked? A: The fish should flake easily with a fork and appear opaque throughout. Additionally, an instant-read thermometer should register 145°F when inserted into the thickest part of the fillet.

Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free? A: Certainly! Substitute the butter with extra virgin olive oil or your preferred plant-based alternative. The dish will still be incredibly flavorful.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers? A: Store any leftover fish and vegetables in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a 300°F oven to prevent overcooking the fish.

Q: Can I double this recipe for a dinner party? A: Yes! Use a larger oven-safe skillet or roasting pan, and you may need to increase the baking time by 2-3 minutes. Just ensure the fish reaches the proper internal temperature.

Recipe Details:

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean-American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Calories: 302 per serving