This recipe will change the way you cook fish! Ditch the greasy frying pan and embrace this flavorful and healthy approach. A Spanish chef shared this restaurant secret, and now you can enjoy incredibly tasty fish at home, just like you’d get in a fancy restaurant.
I used to be a fried fish fanatic. Crispy, golden fillets always seemed like the ultimate comfort food. But let’s be honest, frying can be a messy business, and all that oil adds up. Plus, after a long day, the thought of standing over a hot pan splattering with grease was enough to turn anyone off.
Then, on a trip to Spain, I stumbled upon a hidden gem of a restaurant tucked away on a charming side street. The menu boasted fresh, local fish, and being a seafood enthusiast, I had to try it. What arrived at my table was a revelation. The fish was perfectly cooked, flaky and moist, bursting with flavor, and surrounded by a vibrant medley of roasted vegetables. It looked like something straight out of a fancy cookbook, but the taste? Pure, unadulterated home cooking magic.
Intrigued, I struck up a conversation with the owner, a warm and inviting woman who, to my surprise, readily shared the secret behind their signature dish. It turned out, there was no fancy technique or special ingredient involved. She simply swore by a unique baking method that coaxed out the most incredible flavors from the fish.
Back home, with a head full of inspiration and a yearning to recreate that incredible meal, I set about adapting her recipe. And guess what? It worked! This recipe is the culmination of my culinary adventure, a testament to the power of simple ingredients and a good oven. Let me tell you, it’s a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Affordable: This dish requires minimal prep and uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- Family-Friendly: Perfect for a weeknight meal, it’s packed with flavor and healthy vegetables, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
- Restaurant-Quality Results: Impress your family and guests with restaurant-worthy fish that’s moist, flavorful, and beautifully presented.
Restaurant-Style Baked Fish: A Delicious and Easy Recipe
This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. With its ease of preparation, affordability, and restaurant-worthy results, you’ll be saying goodbye to greasy fried fish and hello to healthy and flavorful baked fish!
Ingredients
- 1 whole fish (carp recommended, but any white fish will work)
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 potatoes, sliced
- 1 red pepper, chopped (divided)
- 5 cloves garlic
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 350 ml water
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- Oregano and paprika (to taste)
- Bunch of parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 60 g butter
Instructions
- Prep the Fish: Clean and scale the fish, removing the entrails, fins, head, and tail. Cut the remaining fish into pieces. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Cover with plastic wrap and let it marinate for 20 minutes.
- Build the Flavor Base: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking pan with parchment paper. Spread the chopped onions on the bottom of the pan. Layer the sliced potatoes on top of the onions. Add half of the chopped red pepper.
- Star of the Show: Place the marinated fish pieces on top of the vegetables. Scatter the remaining red pepper over the fish.
- Flavor Boost: Add the chopped garlic and chopped tomatoes to the pan. Pour in the water and stir in the tomato paste. Season with oregano and paprika according to your taste.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes at 180°C (350°F), allowing the top to get slightly browned and crispy.
- The Finishing Touches: While the fish bakes for the last 15 minutes, chop the parsley and slice the lemon. After removing the foil, scatter the chopped parsley and lemon slices over the fish. Dot the top with pats of butter.
- Enjoy!: Your restaurant-style baked fish is ready! Serve immediately with your favorite sides and enjoy the delicious flavors and textures.
Tips
- This recipe is versatile! Substitute any type of white fish you prefer, such as cod, tilapia, or haddock.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, a sprinkle of dried parsley will work.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your liking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. With its ease of preparation, affordability, and restaurant-worthy results, you’ll be saying goodbye to greasy fried fish and hello to healthy and flavorful baked fish!
