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 always impresses my guests and makes lunchtime fun and nutritious.
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
Pin My family loves making this meal together and enjoys the creative presentation every time.
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 This meal is sure to delight both the eyes and the palate every time you serve it
Recipe Questions
- → 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 easy shaping and cooking.
- → Can I prepare this dish without an oven?
While baking ensures even cooking, pan-searing the fillets gently and arranging the vegetables on top can be an alternative method.
- → How do the vegetable slices add to the dish?
The thin vegetable slices create colorful ‘scales’ and add freshness and crunch, enhancing both presentation and texture.
- → Is it possible to use other fish varieties?
Yes, swapping with salmon offers a richer taste and a more vibrant color, making the dish equally appealing.
- → What garnishes complement this dish?
Fresh parsley adds an herbal note, and serving with a drizzle of herbed yogurt or lemon vinaigrette pairs well with the flavors.
- → Can this dish cater to vegetarian preferences?
A vegetarian option can be made by using tofu cut and shaped similarly, maintaining the dish’s playful design.