Dinner

Light Fish-Shaped Meal Recipe

Name: Light Fish-Shaped Meal Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 2 small white fish fillets (e.g., cod or sole, approximately 4.2 oz each); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 small carrot; 1 small zucchini; 1/2 red bell pepper; 1/2 yellow bell pepper; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 4 black olives; 2 cucumber slices

ByJack Voss January 9, 2026January 9, 2026

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Introduction

This light fish-shaped meal is as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Featuring tender white fish fillets decorated with colorful vegetable scales, it’s a fun and healthy dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

A white fish fillet shaped like a fish is placed on a white plate with two small cucumber slices behind the head end, resembling fins. The fish's eyes are made of two black olive rings. The body is decorated with finely chopped green herbs near the head. Four colorful vegetable layers lie on top of the fillet, starting with two orange carrot slices on the bottom, then two dark green zucchini slices, followed by two bright yellow bell pepper slices, and topped with one thick red bell pepper slice, creating a layered, scaled look. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 small white fish fillets (e.g., cod or sole, approximately 4.2 oz each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 small carrot
1 small zucchini
1/2 red bell pepper
1/2 yellow bell pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
4 black olives
2 cucumber slices

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Step 2: Place the fish fillets flat on a cutting board. Trim one end of each fillet into a point to form the fish head. Cut small notches along the sides to mimic fins.
Step 3: Brush the fillets evenly with olive oil. Sprinkle with lemon zest, salt, and pepper to taste. Arrange the fillets on the prepared baking tray.
Step 4: Thinly slice the carrot, zucchini, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. Layer these colorful slices over the fillets to resemble fish scales, reserving some pieces for the tail and fins.
Step 5: Place a black olive slice on each fillet to form the eye and a cucumber slice to create the mouth. Arrange the remaining vegetable pieces around the fillets to shape the tail and fins.
Step 6: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the fish is cooked through and the vegetables remain tender and vibrant.
Step 7: Carefully transfer the fish-shaped meals to serving plates. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use any firm white fish fillets you prefer, such as haddock or tilapia, for similar results.
Try adding thin slices of cherry tomatoes or radishes for extra color in the scales.
For a zestier flavor, add a splash of fresh lemon juice before baking.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid drying out the fish. It’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.

How to Serve

A white fillet of fish shaped like a fish is laid on a white plate with a white marbled texture background. Two round cucumber slices are placed near the fish's head, with two small, dark olive rings acting as eyes. The fish fillet is topped with chopped green herbs near the head. Over the body, there are five layered vegetable strips: two bright orange carrot slices on top, followed by one red bell pepper strip, a yellow bell pepper strip beneath it, and two thin green zucchini strips at the bottom. The fish and vegetables are arranged lengthwise, creating a colorful, vibrant layered look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fish fillets for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen fish fillets. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before shaping and seasoning to ensure even cooking and good texture.

How do I know when the fish is cooked through?

The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque throughout. Baking for 12 to 15 minutes at 350°F usually ensures perfect doneness for small fillets.