Crispy Festive Fish Fillets
Elevate your dining experience with these Crispy Festive Fish Fillets, inspired by a beloved family recipe from the Simply Simpatico Junior League of Albuquerque Cookbook. This dish marries the delicate flavors of fish with a crunchy cracker crust, perfectly complemented by zesty Italian dressing and a hint of paprika for that festive touch. Ideal for gatherings or special occasions, this dish pairs wonderfully with a side of seasonal vegetables or a refreshing salad. Bring joy and flavor to your table with this simple yet satisfying high-protein dish that will leave your guests asking for more!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
fish fillets
2 lbs (thawed if frozen)
Italian salad dressing
1/2 cup (none)
cheese crackers
1 1/2 cups (crushed, such as Cheez-its)
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
paprika
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C).
2
In a shallow dish, pour the Italian salad dressing.
3
In another bowl, combine the crushed cheese crackers and a sprinkle of paprika, mixing them well.
4
Take each fish fillet and dip it into the Italian dressing, ensuring it's well coated.
5
Next, dredge the coated fillet in the cracker mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the crumbs.
6
Arrange the coated fillets on a well-greased baking sheet.
7
Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the fillets to enhance the flavor and promote crispiness.
8
Finally, sprinkle a pinch of paprika over the fillets for a pop of color.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
10
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Crispy Festive Fish Fillets.
What is the inspiration for this dish?
It is inspired by a family recipe from the Simply Simpatico Junior League of Albuquerque Cookbook.
How many ingredients are required?
There are 5 main ingredients in this recipe.
What type of fish fillets are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of fish fillets.
Can I use frozen fish?
Yes, you can use frozen fish, but they should be thawed before preparation.
What type of dressing is used for coating?
Italian salad dressing is used to coat the fish.
How much Italian dressing is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of Italian salad dressing.
What kind of crackers are used for the crust?
Cheese crackers, such as Cheez-its, are recommended for the crunchy crust.
How many crackers should I prepare?
You need 1 1/2 cups of crushed cheese crackers.
Is butter used in the recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of melted butter are drizzled over the fillets.
How is paprika used in this recipe?
Paprika is mixed with the crackers and also sprinkled on top for color and flavor.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit or 260 degrees Celsius.
How long does the fish take to bake?
The fish takes approximately 8 to 10 minutes to cook through.
How do I prepare the baking sheet?
The fillets should be arranged on a well-greased baking sheet.
What is the first step in assembly?
Dip each fish fillet into the Italian salad dressing ensuring it is well coated.
How do I apply the cracker mixture?
Dredge the dressing-coated fillets in the cracker crumbs, pressing lightly so they adhere.
Why is butter drizzled over the fish?
The melted butter enhances the flavor and helps promote a crispy texture.
How can I tell when the fish is finished cooking?
The fish is ready when it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Is this recipe considered high in protein?
Yes, it is tagged as a high protein dish.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it is categorized under quick recipes with a short 8-10 minute baking time.
What kind of texture does this fish have?
The dish features a delicate fish texture with a crunchy cracker crust.
What occasions are best for this dish?
It is ideal for festive gatherings, special occasions, or easy family dinners.
What are some suggested side dishes?
It pairs well with seasonal vegetables or a refreshing salad.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food.
Can I use different types of crackers?
While cheese crackers are suggested, the recipe specifies a cracker crust which could be adapted.
Is the Italian dressing used as a marinade?
In this recipe, it acts as a binder to help the cracker crumbs stick to the fish.
Should the dish be served immediately?
Yes, it is best enjoyed immediately after baking.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is tagged as a family meal.
What makes the recipe festive?
The name and the hint of paprika for a pop of color give it a festive touch.
What is the overall flavor profile?
It is a savory dish with zesty notes from the Italian dressing and a salty crunch from the cheese crackers.