Save to Pinterest 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 always impresses my family at lunchtime and makes mealtime enjoyable with its creative presentation.
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
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- 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.
- Step 3:
- Brush the fillets with olive oil, sprinkle with lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Place them on the prepared tray.
- Step 4:
- 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.
- Step 5:
- Use an olive slice for the eye and a cucumber slice for the mouth. Arrange remaining vegetables to form the tail and fins.
- Step 6:
- Bake in the oven for 12–15 minutes, until the fish is cooked through and the vegetables are tender but vibrant.
- Step 7:
- Carefully transfer to plates, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Save to Pinterest My family loves gathering around to admire the fun fish shape before digging in, making every meal special.
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
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this delightful and nutritious meal that makes lunchtime a joyous occasion for everyone.
Recipe FAQs
- → 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 firm texture that holds well when shaped.
- → How do I create the fish shape on the fillets?
Trim one end of each fillet into a pointed 'head' and cut small notches along the sides to resemble fins before arranging vegetables as scales and tails.
- → Can I substitute the vegetables used for decoration?
Yes, any colorful thinly sliced vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers work well to mimic scales and add vibrant hues.
- → What cooking method is recommended?
Baking the fish fillets at 180°C (350°F) ensures gentle cooking, preserving moisture and allowing vegetables to remain vibrant.
- → Are there any suggested garnishes or accompaniments?
Fresh parsley adds a bright finish, and a drizzle of herbed yogurt or lemon vinaigrette complements the flavors beautifully.
- → Is it possible to make a vegetarian version?
Yes, using tofu cut and shaped like fish provides a similar presentation while keeping the dish vegetarian-friendly.