Here’s a recipe for Lemon Herb Baked Fish—a light and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare. This method ensures tender, flaky fish complemented by fresh herbs and citrus.
Ingredients
For the Fish:
- 4 fresh fish fillets (e.g., cod, tilapia, haddock, or snapper)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (from a fresh lemon)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp paprika (optional, for color)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Vegetables (for a full meal):
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced into rounds or thin sticks
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup green beans, trimmed
Preparation
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish or sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
2. Prepare the Marinade:
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh parsley, dill (if using), paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Prepare the Fish:
- Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Place the fish fillets in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they’re spaced apart slightly.
4. Season and Arrange:
- Brush or spoon the marinade evenly over the fish fillets.
- Lay lemon slices on top of each fillet.
- (Optional) If using vegetables, scatter them around the fish in the baking dish. Drizzle a bit of olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper over the vegetables.
5. Bake the Fish:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
6. Finish and Garnish:
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish with additional fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for extra freshness.
7. Serve:
- Serve the baked fish hot with the roasted vegetables on the side.
- Pair with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or a light salad.
This dish is versatile, healthy, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Let me know if you’d like tips on selecting fresh fish or any substitutions! 😊
4o