Save A playful, healthy dish designed in the shape of a fish, featuring fresh vegetables and tender white fish fillet. Perfect for a light lunch or an elegant starter.
I first served this to my family and everyone loved the fun fish shape and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
- Fish: 2 small white fish fillets (e.g. cod or sole, ~120 g each), 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest, Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetables: 1 small carrot, 1 small zucchini, 1/2 red bell pepper, 1/2 yellow bell pepper, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Decoration: 4 black olives (for eyes and scales), 2 slices cucumber (for fish mouth and tail)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- Lay the fish fillets flat and use a sharp knife to trim one end into a point (the fish head) and cut small notches along the sides for fins.
- Step 3:
- Brush the fillets with olive oil, sprinkle with lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Place them on the prepared tray.
- Step 4:
- Use thin slices of carrot, zucchini, and bell peppers to create colorful scales on top of the fillets. Reserve a few slices for the tail and fins.
- Step 5:
- Use an olive slice for the eye and a cucumber slice for the mouth. Arrange remaining vegetables to form the tail and fins.
- Step 6:
- Bake in the oven for 1215 minutes, until the fish is cooked through and the vegetables are tender but vibrant.
- Step 7:
- Carefully transfer to plates, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Save This recipe has become a hit at family dinners, loved for its visual appeal and light taste.
Required Tools
Sharp knife, Baking tray, Parchment paper, Cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains fish. May contain traces of allergens depending on fish source. Double-check ingredient labels if unsure.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 180, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 8 g, Protein: 22 g (per serving)
Save A delightful recipe that blends creativity with healthy ingredients to brighten your meal.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of fish works best for this dish?
Small white fish fillets like cod or sole are ideal due to their mild flavor and firm texture that holds the shape well during baking.
- → Can I substitute the vegetables used for decoration?
Yes, feel free to use thin slices of other colorful vegetables that can mimic scales and fins, such as yellow squash or radishes.
- → How do I ensure the fish stays moist in the oven?
Brushing the fillets with olive oil and baking at a moderate temperature (180°C/350°F) helps retain moisture while cooking the fish evenly.
- → Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?
You can assemble the fish and vegetable arrangement ahead of time and refrigerate briefly before baking, but bake just before serving for best texture.
- → What seasoning complements this fish and vegetable combination?
Simple seasoning with lemon zest, salt, and pepper enhances the natural flavors without overpowering the delicate fish and fresh vegetables.
- → Can I make a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes, firm tofu shaped like a fish and seasoned similarly can be used as a satisfying vegetarian alternative.