Pin It 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.
This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a fun fish-shaped dish that my family loved making and eating together.
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
- Preheat:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Shape Fish:
- 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.
- Season:
- Brush the fillets with olive oil, sprinkle with lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Place them on the prepared tray.
- Add Vegetables:
- 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.
- Decorate:
- Use an olive slice for the eye and a cucumber slice for the mouth. Arrange remaining vegetables to form the tail and fins.
- Bake:
- Bake in the oven for 1215 minutes, until the fish is cooked through and the vegetables are tender but vibrant.
- Serve:
- Carefully transfer to plates, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Pin It My kids enjoyed helping create the fish shapes and were excited to eat their colorful creations.
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)
Pin It This dish is a delightful way to enjoy a healthy meal with visual appeal and flavor in every bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of fish works best for this dish?
Small white fish fillets like cod or sole work well due to their mild flavor and firm texture.
- → Can I substitute fish for a vegetarian option?
Yes, firm tofu cut and shaped like fish provides a satisfying vegetarian alternative while maintaining the dish's playful presentation.
- → How should the vegetables be prepared for the dish?
Thinly slice carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers to create colorful scales that layer over the fish fillets before baking.
- → What is the best way to bake the fish without drying it out?
Brush the fillets with olive oil and lemon zest, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 12–15 minutes until cooked through but still tender.
- → How can I enhance the flavor of this light dish?
Adding a drizzle of herbed yogurt or lemon vinaigrette at serving brightens the flavors and adds a creamy, tangy element.