Pan Seared Fish with Tomatoes & Olives: A Mediterranean Delight

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Pan Seared Fish with Tomatoes & Olives is a simple yet elegant dish that combines the delicate flavors of white fish with the vibrant tastes of tomatoes, olives, and herbs. This dish is perfect for a light dinner, offering a nutritious and flavorful meal that’s quick to prepare. Here’s how to make this delicious Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Ingredients:

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 4 skinless fillets of bass or cod (or another firm white fish)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Cracked black pepper to taste
  • 2 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, finely sliced
  • 1 cup of grape tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, or heirloom tomatoes, cut into quarters
  • 1/4 cup white wine
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup pitted kalamata olives
  • 2 tablespoons of finely chopped parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Fish:
    • Dry the fish fillets using paper towels.
    • Season both sides of the fillets with a pinch of salt and cracked black pepper.
  2. Sear the Fish:
    • Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Add the fish fillets to the skillet and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is golden brown and cooked through. The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork. Take the fish out of the skillet and set it aside.
  3. Cook the Aromatics:
    • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sliced onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Deglaze:
    • Add the quartered grape tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
    • Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for about 2 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate and the flavors to meld.
  5. Add Olives and Combine:
    • Stir in the pitted kalamata olives and cook for an additional minute to heat through.
  6. Finish and Garnish:
    • Return the seared fish fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato and olive mixture.
    • Spoon some of the sauce over the fish to coat.
    • Let everything cook together for another 1-2 minutes to ensure the fish is warmed through.
  7. Serve:
    • Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the chopped parsley or basil over the top for a fresh garnish.
    • Serve the pan-seared fish with tomatoes and olives immediately, with crusty bread or a side salad if desired.

Conclusion:

Pan Seared Fish with Tomatoes & Olives is a delightful and healthy dish that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. The combination of tender fish, sweet tomatoes, briny olives, and fresh herbs creates a harmonious and satisfying meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress with its simplicity and deliciousness. Enjoy the vibrant tastes and easy preparation of this wonderful recipe!