the best Mediterranean Baked Fish with Tomatoes and Olives

Juicy, flaky, and packed with flavor, this Mediterranean Baked Fish is an easy and healthy dinner that’s sure to impress. Seared to perfection and baked with cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and fresh herbs, it’s a one-pan meal that tastes like it came from a seaside bistro.

Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Fish Recipe

Affordable and Accessible: Basa is an inexpensive option, but any white fish fillet—like cod, halibut, or snapper—works beautifully.

Healthy and Nourishing: Loaded with omega-3s, fresh herbs, tomatoes, and olive oil for a Mediterranean-style boost.
Simple Yet Sophisticated: Quick to prepare but fancy enough for dinner guests or a special weeknight meal.
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Fish:

1 fish fillet (basa, cod, halibut, tilapia, etc.)
1 tsp paprika

1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp Cajun or Old Bay seasoning
½ tsp chili flakes

1 tsp fish seasoning (optional)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

3 tbsp cooking oil

For the Tomato & Olive Base:

2 cups cherry tomatoes (or any chopped ripe tomatoes)

¼ cup olives (Kalamata or black; capers can be used instead)
2 sprigs parsley
2 sprigs thyme

3 garlic cloves, minced
½ tsp reserved fish seasoning mix
2 tbsp water

3 tbsp salted butter
Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Mediterranean Baked Fish

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2: Season the Fish

Mix all dry seasonings in a small bowl. Reserve about ½ to 1 teaspoon of the mix for the tomato base. Rub the rest evenly on both sides of the fish fillet.

Step 3: Sear the Fish

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the fish for 1 minute per side, just enough to give it a golden crust. It doesn’t need to cook through at this stage. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Tomatoes & Olives

In the same pan, add cherry tomatoes, olives, garlic, herbs, reserved seasoning, water, salt, and pepper. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes, until the tomatoes begin to soften.

Step 5: Assemble & Bake

Nestle the seared fish in the middle of the skillet. Top with butter. Transfer the skillet to the oven (or move everything to an oven-safe dish if needed). Bake for 10 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Pro Tips for Success

Dry the Fish: Pat fillets dry before searing for the crispiest crust.
Choose Firm Fish: Cod, snapper, and halibut hold up well to searing and baking.

Add Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens all the flavors.
Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: Like cast iron or heavy stainless steel for easy stovetop-to-oven cooking.

Substitutions & Variations

Fish Options: Try tilapia, mackerel, catfish, or even whole Branzino.

No Olives? Use capers for a similar salty, briny touch.
Add Heat: Include extra chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Tomato Swaps: Use grape tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, or sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this baked Mediterranean fish with:

Saffron rice or lemon rice
Garlic herb roasted potatoes

Coconut rice or couscous
Grilled flatbread or pita
Cucumber salad or roasted vegetables

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Make Ahead: You can sear the fish and sauté the tomatoes in advance. Store separately in the fridge, assemble, and bake just before serving.
Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Recipe FAQs

Can I skip the searing step?
Yes, but searing adds flavor and helps the fish hold its shape.

Can I use frozen fish?
Yes—just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning and searing.

How do I know when the fish is done?
The fish should flake easily with a fork and be opaque in the center.

More Mediterranean-Inspired Recipes

Easy Baked Tilapia

⭐️ Recipe Summary

Mediterranean Baked Fish with Tomatoes and Olives

A flavorful, healthy, and quick dinner made with seared white fish baked over juicy cherry tomatoes and briny olives with herbs and butter.

🕒 Ready in 22 minutes
🍽️ Serves 2
🌿 Healthy | Mediterranean | One-Pan Meal