Grilled Snapper with Tomatoes and Olives (Oven-Cooked Fish with Tomatoes and Olives)

Grilled Snapper with Tomatoes and Olives (Oven-Cooked Fish with Tomatoes and Olives)

Recipe Alteration for Baked Fish: An Unfiltered Guide

So, you want to bake a fish but think snapper ain't your thing? No worries, mate! There are plenty of other tender, flaky fish options that'll work just fine. Let's dive into some alternatives:

Swapping the Swapper (Alternative Flaky Fish Options)

• Halibut: Known for its firm texture and mild flavor, halibut is a versatile choice that'll do the trick just as well as snapper[1][3].
• Flounder: Thin, delicate fillets make flounder an excellent option for quick cooking methods like baking and pan-frying[2][3].
• Haddock: Offers a slightly sweet flavor and a firm texture, ideal for baking, frying, or grilling[3].
• Sea Bass: Though not always white, various sea bass varieties have a flaky texture and mild flavor, perfect for extensive preparation methods[1][3].
• Tilapia: Affordable and accessible, tilapia bakes well and pairs well with a variety of seasonings[3][4].

Magic Matches: Accompaniments for Your Fish Feast

These types of fish aren't just great on their own; they pair beautifully with a variety of sides to create a delectable, complete meal:

• Verdant Greens: Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, green beans, or salads add color, texture, and freshness to your fish dish[2][4].
• Starchy Sides: Rice, potatoes, or sweet potatoes complement fish and provide a hearty base[2][4].
• Savory Sauces & Marinades: Top your fish with a lemon dill sauce, tartar sauce, or a flavorful marinade like soy-ginger for added zest[2][5].
• Roasted Veggies: Squash and sweet potatoes bring variety and vibrant hues to your dish[2].
• Crunchy Options: Serve your fish with oven-baked fries or crispy potato wedges for a satisfying crunch[4][5].

With these alternatives and accompaniments in mind, you're set to create an unforgettable baked fish dish, customized to your taste buds!

Now, let's get to the deets:

• Servings: 8 main-course servings

Ingredients (9)

• 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (plus a little oil for drizzling)
• 8 (6-ounce) pieces of your chosen fish fillet
• Fine sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon lightly toasted and ground fennel seeds
• 1 cup pitted niccôise olives (available at specialty food stores; unpitted will work)
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1 3/4 pounds ripe tomatoes, seeded and cut into 3/8-inch dice
• 1/2 cup lightly packed torn fresh basil leaves

Equipment

• Glazed ceramic, stainless steel, enameled cast iron, or Spanish cazuelas offer the best heat for baking your fish ( ovenproof glass will work too, but stay away from aluminum baking pans)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Put 3 tablespoons of the olive oil in each of 2 baking dishes, and heat them in the oven (but don't let the oil get to the smoking point).
3. With a sharp knife, score the skin of each fish fillet and season both sides with salt, pepper, and fennel. Place the fish in the hot oil, skin side up, to coat with the oil, and scatter olives around each fillet. Splash equal amounts of wine into each dish.
4. Bake the fish till about 3/4 done (6 to 8 minutes) and hold it for up to an hour before serving. Drape plastic wrap over the fish to keep it moist. When ready to serve, remove the plastic, spoon some of the pan juices over the fish, and finish baking. Serve immediately.

Wine Recommendation: A Ligurian white Vermentino from Lupi or Tenuta Giuncheo

© 2007 David Shalleck

Note: If you plan to use tomatoes, coat them with a little olive oil and do not season until ready to add to the fish. Adding salt too soon will pull water from the tomatoes, making the finished dish too watery.

Sources:[1] https://www.seafoodhealthfacts.org/seafood-categories/group/finfish/fish/halibut/[2] https://www.myrecipes.com/eating-well/what-goes-with-fish-sides[3] https://www.fishingbooker.com/blog/better-white-fish-options/[4] https://www.alexandracooks.com/25-great-fish-sides/[5] https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/lemon-dill-cream-sauce/

1. To ensure a balanced meal, choose one of the suggested flaky fish options, such as halibut, flounder, haddock, sea bass, or tilapia, and pair it with an assortment of sides, including verdant greens, starchy sides, savory sauces, roasted veggies, or crunchy options.
2. For baked fish that's both nutritious and flavorful, select an ovenproof dish, such as glazed ceramic, stainless steel, enameled cast iron, or Spanish cazuelas, and follow the provided recipe, individualizing it with your preferred fish and seasonings.
3. Scatter pitted niccôise olives around your chosen fish fillets, ensuring that your serving dish is both visually appealing and bursting with enhanced flavor.

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