Seared Haddock with Olive Tapenade

Seafood is bountiful on the Mediterranean coast and a key component of the Mediterranean diet. This seared haddock recipe, with its tender and flaky inside, is marinated and topped with a flavorful olive tapenade. Perfect for both special occasions and quick weeknight dinners, it’s an easy, delicious way to incorporate more fish into your meals. Enjoy the wholesome and light benefits of haddock combined with the rich, heart-healthy flavors of olive tapenade.

Seafood is a staple along the Mediterranean coast and plays a key role in the Mediterranean diet. This Seared Haddock with Olive Tapenade brings together the tender, flaky texture of the Haddock with the bold, briny flavors of an olive tapenade.

It’s an elegant yet simple dish that works just as well for a special occasion as it does for a quick, nourishing weeknight dinner. Whether you’re looking to add more seafood to your weekly meals or are already a seafood lover, this recipe is a delicious and healthy option.

Why Make this Seafood Recipe?

Seared exterior with a flaky interior, topped with an olive tapenade. The Mediterranean flavors from the briny olives and citrus encompass a perfect bite.

Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, giving you a restaurant-style meal at home.

Simple and Flavorful: With minimal effort required, you can create a dish that’s sure to impress your family or guests. Marinating the haddock before cooking, and topping the fish with the remaining tapenade upon serving builds flavor.

Wholesome and Light: Haddock is a lean protein source and when combined with olive tapenade, this dish is both satisfying and nourishing.

Let’s Talk Nutrition!

Haddock: A lean and protein-rich fish, Haddock is rich in essential ingredients. Haddock is a great source of vitamin B-12 and selenium.

Olive Tapenade: Olives, olive oil, and occasionally spices compose tapenade. These ingredients are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

How to Make: Ingredients and Steps

Ingredients -

Haddock: Any type of white fish can be used as they are a blank canvas for flavor. I recommend using a firm white fish if you’re substituting the Haddock such as cod, sea bass, or pollock.

Olive Tapenade: A staple that consists of olives, olive oil, and sometimes spices is full of flavor. For ease and convenience, store-bought works great.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: As always, I recommend investing in a high-quality olive oil.

Ground Pepper: Balances the briny, salty flavor from the tapenade while adding a slight pepper-y note.

Lemon: Zested and sliced; rounding out all the flavors with a citrus note.

Steps - Marinate the Haddock

1. At least 30 minutes prior to cooking, marinate the haddock. Start by taking the fillets and patting them dry with a paper towel, then place them on a flat dish.

2. Add freshly ground black pepper onto the fillets along with the zest of 1 lemon. Follow with spreading the olive tapenade evenly on the fish. Slice the zested lemon and place a slice on top of each fillet portion. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Steps - Cooking

1. Preheat a skillet on medium heat and bring out the haddock fillets.

2. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons to the preheated skillet and gently place the fillets down to get a sear. Ensure you are laying the fillets down away from you to prevent oil splattering on your arms and/or body.

3. Allow the fillets to cook on each side, undisturbed, for approximately 3 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the fillets; adjust accordingly.

4. Serve immediately with a squeeze of lemon, enjoy!

Serving Suggestions:

To round out the meal, consider pairing the seared haddock with one of these sides.

Lentil Salad: A light yet hearty side of this Lentil Salad is an excellent way to compliment the flavors of the fish.

Roasted Vegetables: A medley of vegetables, or just your favorite such as asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini will add additional nutrients and keep you full.

Whole Grains: Whether you like quinoa, barley, farro, rice, or couscous, each is packed with vitamins and minerals and composed of complex carbohydrates to balance the meal.

Mashed or Roasted Potatoes: Paired with garlic and/or lemon, potatoes are always a favorite.