My Lil’ Gay Recipes

Fish in Cherry Tomatoes

Jul 28, 2026

∙ Paid

For my Lil’ Gay Recipes series, this summer I’m highlighting the tomato. My favorite fast, simple recipes fit for the heat.

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Fish in Cherry Tomatoes

I’ve been spending my summer in New York’s East Village, a stone’s throw from the Union Square farmers market. And if there’s one thing I love more than cruising a park, it’s cruising a farmers market.

I picked up some beautiful cherry tomatoes and mulled over what I should do with ‘em. I was recovering from a big party weekend during a heat wave, so I was craving something hearty but also light. I couldn’t imagine smoking up the apartment searing a steak or baking chicken for an hour, so I decided on a nice piece of halibut that I would roast with the tomatoes. It ended up being one of my favorite new recipes. The fish roasted and poached in the juices, so it was moist and complemented by the acidity and sweetness of the tomatoes.

It was embarrassingly easy: one pan, 10 minutes of prep (if that), and 30 minutes of baking. The toughest part was the sticker shock of halibut, which can cost as much as a New York strip. So, you may substitute a cheaper fish, like tilapia, catfish or cod. But most important: splurge on the bread. A nice, chewy sourdough or baguette to sop up the jammy, stewed tomatoes. Pair it with a icy white wine (I chose a Vinho Verde) and you got the perfect summer dish.

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