Lemon-Dill Fish Stew with Cherry Tomatoes
A bright, refreshing stew featuring flaky white fish, sweet cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lemon-dill broth for a light yet satisfying meal. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 ready in about 30 minutes pairs white fish fillets, avocado oil, leek for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs white fish fillets
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 leek
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup low-sodium fish broth
- 1/4 cup fresh dill
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1 lemon
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season fish pieces with salt and pepper, then cook for 2 minutes per side until just opaque; remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp avocado oil to skillet, then add sliced leek and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 minutes until leek is softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release juices and begin to soften.
- Step 4: Pour in fish broth, bring to a gentle simmer, add lemon zest, and 2 tbsp dill. Return cooked fish to skillet.
- Step 5: Simmer for 5 minutes, or until fish is fully cooked through and flavors meld.
- Step 6: Stir in remaining dill, chopped parsley, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Step 7: Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh dill.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Dill Fish Stew with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Lemon-Dill Fish Stew with Cherry Tomatoes?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep white fish fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Dill Fish Stew with Cherry Tomatoes?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Lemon-Dill Fish Stew with Cherry Tomatoes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Lemon-Dill Fish Stew with Cherry Tomatoes?
Mediterranean whole30 like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.