Are you craving a delicious and healthy dinner that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This red fish recipe, baked to perfection in the oven, is a quick dinner idea that's bursting with flavor and requires minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal, this recipe is a winner for both beginners and experienced cooks looking for easy recipes and homemade cooking at its finest.
Ingredients:
- 2 (6-ounce) red snapper fillets, skin on or off (you can substitute cod, halibut, or another firm white fish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds a delicious depth of flavor)
- Optional: 1/4 cup dry white wine
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish.
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Season the Fish: Place the red snapper fillets in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and then season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
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Layer with Flavor: Top each fillet with half of the minced garlic and half of the lemon slices. Sprinkle with half of the chopped parsley.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets.
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Optional Wine: If using white wine, carefully pour it into the baking dish during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This adds extra moisture and a bright flavor.
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Garnish & Serve: Garnish with remaining parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Red Fish Recipe:
- Don't Overcook: Overcooked fish is dry and tough. Start checking for doneness around the 12-minute mark. A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the fillet should register 145°F (63°C).
- Fresh Herbs are Key: Fresh parsley really brightens up this dish. If you don't have fresh, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried parsley.
- Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your preference. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.
- Other Vegetables: Add some roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes to the baking dish for a complete and healthy meal.
Variations:
- Mediterranean Twist: Add crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for some heat.
- Herb Experimentation: Experiment with different herbs like dill, thyme, or oregano.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 2-3g
This healthy and delicious red fish recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions make it accessible for everyone. Enjoy this amazing dish, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below! We'd love to hear how your red fish turned out!