Baked Whitefish With Olives Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

Oh my gosh, I am obsessed with this delightful whitefish recipe because it’s ridiculously easy and packed with vibrant Mediterranean flavors that transport me straight to a sunlit coastal village. Plus, the juicy burst of cherry tomatoes and the briny goodness of Kalamata olives create a perfect harmony that I just can’t get enough of—it’s comfort food with a soul!

I adore blending the robust tastes of Mediterranean cooking with my Baked Whitefish and Olives and Cherry Tomatoes. This recipe features really fresh cod or haddock that, when I can find it, is a great fish choice because it’s mild and has wonderful flakes that stay together when cooked.

The Baked Whitefish comes with a Mediterranean twist, meaning the fish is drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with lots of oregano, both good staples of the healthful Mediterranean diet.

Baked Whitefish With Olives Cherry Tomatoes Recipe Ingredients

• Whitefish Fillets: High in protein, lean and low in calories.

  Packed with omega-3 fatty acids.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.

  Brightens the dish.

• Kalamata Olives: Adds a salty and savory depth.

  Contains healthy monounsaturated fats.

• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat, enhances flavor and aids nutrient absorption.
• Garlic: Aromatic, boosts immune system, and offers antibacterial properties.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a zesty, refreshing tang.

  High in vitamin C.

Baked Whitefish With Olives Cherry Tomatoes Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1.5 pounds whitefish fillets (such as cod or haddock)
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

How to Make this Baked Whitefish With Olives Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

1. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and get out a baking dish that will allow the fish fillets to lie flat in a single layer.

2. Wash the whitefish fillets in cold water and dry them with paper towels.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, and the following ingredients: olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and dried oregano. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

4. Put the whitefish fillets in the baking dish you made earlier. Season both sides of the fish with salt and pepper.

5. Distribute the mixture of tomatoes and olives evenly over the fillets, making sure to cover them completely.

6. Spoon any leftover olive oil mixture from the bowl over the fish and vegetables.

7. Use aluminum foil to cover the baking dish to keep the fish moist while it bakes.

8. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the fish in this temperature-regulated setting for 20-25 minutes, or until you can flake it easily with a fork and see that it is opaque throughout.

9. If you want the tomatoes to caramelize a bit at the end, then take off the foil for the last five minutes of baking.

10. If desired, garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your meal!

Baked Whitefish With Olives Cherry Tomatoes Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking dish
3. Mixing bowl
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Measuring spoons
7. Measuring cup
8. Spoon (for mixing and distributing)
9. Paper towels
10. Aluminum foil

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of fish?You can indeed substitute any mild white fish for a similar result—fish such as tilapia or snapper work nicely.
• How can I make this recipe ahead of time?The vegetable mixture can be readied in advance and kept in the refrigerator. Add it to the fish just before it goes in the oven.
• Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?Dairy-free, the recipe calls for no dairy products.
• What can I serve with this dish?This baked whitefish goes well with steamed rice, roasted veggies, or quinoa.
• Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh cherry tomatoes?It is advisable to use fresh cherry tomatoes to get the optimum flavor, but canned diced tomatoes can be used if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to drain the canned tomatoes very well.
• How do I know when the fish is fully cooked?The fish is completed when it has the texture of flaking easily with a fork and looks opaque all the way through.

Baked Whitefish With Olives Cherry Tomatoes Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substitute tilapia, sole, or any other mildly flavored fish for whitefish fillets.
Grape tomatoes or regular tomatoes cut into smaller pieces can be used in place of cherry tomatoes.
Kalamata olives: Replace with green olives or black olives.
Avocado oil or sunflower oil can replace olive oil.
For a different flavor, use dried thyme or Italian seasoning in place of the dried oregano.

Pro Tips

1. Marinate for Extra Flavor Before baking, let the fish fillets marinate in the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano mixture for at least 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator. This will enhance the flavor of the fish.

2. Add a Crunchy Topping Consider sprinkling some seasoned breadcrumbs over the fillets before baking for an added crunchy texture. Mix the breadcrumbs with a bit of olive oil, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

3. Use Fresh Herbs While dried oregano provides a robust flavor, adding some fresh oregano or thyme leaves to the mixture can elevate the dish with a fresh herbal note.

4. Check for Doneness with a Thermometer For precise doneness, use a food thermometer. The fish is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

5. Serve with a Side Complement the dish with a simple side like roasted potatoes or steamed vegetables. A light salad with a vinaigrette can also make for a refreshing pairing.