Pin 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 dish is always a hit at our family gatherings. I love how the kids enjoy eating fish shaped like their favorite sea creature.
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 This recipe brings back fond memories of family dinners, where everyone eagerly digs into the playful presentation.
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 Enjoy this light and creative dish as a refreshing start to your meal or a delightful light lunch.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of fish works best for this dish?
Small white fish fillets like cod or sole are ideal due to their mild flavor and tender texture, allowing for easy shaping and baking.
- → How can I create the fish shape with the fillets?
Trim one end of the fillet into a pointed 'head' and make small notches along the sides to mimic fins, then decorate with vegetable slices for scales.
- → What vegetables are used for decoration?
Carrot, zucchini, red and yellow bell peppers are thinly sliced to create colorful scales, with cucumber and black olives forming the mouth, tail, and eyes.
- → Can this dish be adapted for different diets?
Yes, swapping fish for tofu shapes preserves the design for a vegetarian option, while keeping it gluten-free and low carb.
- → What cooking method is recommended?
Baking at moderate temperature until the fish is cooked through and vegetables remain tender yet vibrant is key to preserving taste and presentation.