Description
This Light Fish-Shaped Meal is a delightful and visually appealing dish featuring white fish fillets artistically decorated with colorful vegetable slices to resemble fish scales. Lightly seasoned and baked to perfection, it offers a healthy, low-fat option that’s perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 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
Vegetables & Garnishes
- 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
- Preheat oven and prepare baking tray: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Shape fish fillets: Place the fish fillets flat on a cutting board and trim one end into a pointed shape to mimic the fish’s head. Cut small notches along the sides of each fillet to imitate fish fins, enhancing the visual appeal.
- Season fillets: Brush the fish fillets evenly with olive oil. Sprinkle lemon zest, salt, and pepper evenly over both fillets, then arrange them on the prepared baking tray.
- Decorate with vegetable scales: Thinly slice carrot, zucchini, red and yellow bell peppers. Neatly layer these colorful vegetable slices over the fillets to resemble fish scales, saving some pieces for the tail and fins.
- Add facial features and fins: Use black olive slices to form the fish’s eyes and cucumber slices for the mouth. Arrange remaining vegetable pieces creatively around the fish to create tail fins and side fins.
- Bake the assembly: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish is fully cooked and vegetables remain tender yet vibrant in color.
- Garnish and serve: Carefully transfer the baked fish-shaped meals to serving plates. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for added flavor and color. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness and presentation.
Notes
- Use firm white fish fillets like cod, sole, or haddock for best results.
- Thinly slicing vegetables helps them cook evenly and integrate well with the fish.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, but keep it light to complement the delicate fish flavor.
- Serve with a side of steamed greens or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: fish fillets, baked fish, healthy fish recipe, fish with vegetables, low-fat meal, cod recipe, sole recipe
