Baked Fish Recipe: A Delicious and Healthy Meal
Baking fish is a fantastic way to create a healthy and flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is simple to follow, adaptable to your taste, and guaranteed to impress. Let's dive in!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1.5 lbs firm white fish fillets (cod, halibut, or tilapia work well): Choose your favorite! The key is to select fillets that are roughly the same thickness for even cooking.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Provides moisture and a touch of flavor.
- 1 lemon: The juice adds brightness, while the zest offers aromatic complexity.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A classic pairing with fish, adding savory depth.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or thyme): Choose your favorite or a combination. Fresh herbs elevate the dish considerably.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
- Optional additions: For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick, or a drizzle of white wine before baking.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your fish cooks evenly and perfectly.
- Prepare the fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. This helps them crisp up nicely.
- Create the flavorful base: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate (optional but recommended): For best results, let the fish marinate in the herb mixture for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate, resulting in a more delicious final product.
- Baking the fish: Place the fish fillets in a baking dish and pour the remaining marinade over them. If using, add your optional ingredients now.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets. Thicker fillets will require longer baking time.
- Serve immediately: Garnish with extra lemon wedges and fresh herbs before serving. Enjoy your delicious and healthy baked fish!
Tips for Perfect Baked Fish:
- Don't overcook: Overcooked fish is dry and unpleasant. Check for doneness regularly to avoid this.
- Use a good quality baking dish: A shallow baking dish works best for even cooking.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and vegetables. Roasted vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers make a great accompaniment.
- Leftovers: Store leftover baked fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions:
This baked fish recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with:
- Roasted vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts complement the fish perfectly.
- Quinoa or rice: A healthy and filling side dish.
- Simple salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.
This baked fish recipe is a simple yet elegant way to enjoy a healthy and delicious meal. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it a perfect weeknight dinner option. Enjoy!
