Growing up in a household where fish usually meant frozen sticks or tuna from a can, I never thought I’d end up loving a dish like haddock in tomato sauce. My mom kept things simple, and anything beyond her usual rotation felt like unfamiliar territory. But one rainy Sunday, when I had some haddock in the fridge and a can of tomatoes in the pantry, I decided to try something new. Turns out, cooking fish in tomato sauce isn’t just easy – it’s also a great way to make sure the fish stays moist and flavorful. Even my kids, who normally push fish around their plates, ask for seconds when I make this.
Possible Ingredient Alternatives
Haddock can be replaced with cod, pollock, or tilapia, as these white fish have similar textures and mild flavors. Adjust cooking time slightly based on fillet thickness. For a plant-based option, firm tofu or tempeh can be used, but will require pre-seasoning and longer cooking time. Extra virgin olive oil can be substituted with avocado oil or grapeseed oil for a higher smoke point, maintaining heart-healthy fats. Use the same amount as called for in the recipe. Mozzarella cheese can be swapped with dairy-free alternatives like cashew-based or coconut-based cheese for those avoiding dairy. These options melt similarly to mozzarella and provide a creamy texture. Use a 1:1 ratio for substitution.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 40-45 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 900-1000
- Protein: 80-90 g
- Fat: 40-50 g
- Carbohydrates: 60-70 g
Ingredients
- 3 garlic cloves (chopped)
- 1/2 white onion (minced)
- 1 lb haddock fillets (skinless and boneless)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can stewed tomatoes (drained well)
- 1 jar pasta sauce (I use Rao’s Homemade Marinara)
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for a gooey top)
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Coat the bottom of a baking dish with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
Sprinkle half of the chopped onion and garlic evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Pour half of the pasta sauce over the onions and garlic to create a flavorful base.
Place the haddock fillets on top, then layer with sliced tomatoes.
Sprinkle the remaining onion and garlic over the tomatoes, and finish with the remaining pasta sauce to cover the dish completely.
Step 3: Bake the Dish
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
This will gently cook the fish and meld the flavors together.
Step 4: Add Mozzarella and Finish Baking
After the initial baking period, remove the dish from the oven and top it with mozzarella cheese.
Return the dish to the oven and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Step 5: Serve
Once cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and allow a few minutes to cool before serving.
Enjoy your delicious baked haddock with melted mozzarella, infused with the rich flavors of tomatoes, onions, and garlic.
