Are you craving a restaurant-quality meal but don't have the time or energy for a complicated cooking process? Then this California Fish Grill with Cajun Sauce recipe is perfect for you! This dish delivers fantastic flavor in a surprisingly short amount of time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner. It's a healthy, delicious, and satisfying meal the whole family will adore. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this simple yet stunning recipe.
Ingredients:
For the Fish:
- 1.5 lbs white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or halibut work well)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
For the Cajun Sauce:
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to your spice preference)
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
Prepare the Fish:
- Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. This helps them crisp up nicely.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Rub the mixture evenly over both sides of the fish fillets.
Make the Cajun Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will thicken the sauce.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and simmers gently.
- Stir in the Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Stir in the chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bake and Serve:
- Arrange the seasoned fish fillets in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the Cajun sauce evenly over the fish.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets.
- Serve immediately. This delicious dish pairs perfectly with rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Results:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure there's enough space between the fish fillets for even cooking. If necessary, use two baking dishes.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper to your liking. Start with less and add more if needed.
- Check for doneness: Use a fork to gently check if the fish is cooked through. It should flake easily.
- Make it ahead: The Cajun sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it gently before pouring it over the fish.
Delicious Variations:
- Lemon Herb Fish: Add lemon zest and fresh herbs like dill or thyme to the Cajun sauce for a brighter flavor profile.
- Spicy Fish: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Creamy Cajun Fish: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream into the sauce for a richer, creamier texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the type of fish and serving size. However, this recipe generally provides a good source of protein and healthy fats, with moderate calories. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients.
This easy and flavorful California Fish Grill with Cajun Sauce recipe is a fantastic addition to your weekly meal plan. Enjoy this quick dinner idea, and don't hesitate to experiment with different variations to find your perfect combination of flavors!