Crispy Pecan-Crusted Fish Fillets
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Crispy Pecan-Crusted Fish Fillets! This mouthwatering dish features tender fish fillets coated in a golden, crunchy crust made from finely ground pecans and seasoned breadcrumbs. Baked to perfection, each bite is a harmonious blend of textures with a subtle nutty taste. Pair it with a refreshing Summer Melon Salsa for a vibrant meal that celebrates the flavors of summer. A perfect choice for a warm evening, this recipe is a family favorite from the Moosewood Cookbook.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fish fillets
4 (5-6 ounces each, rinsed)
Buttermilk
1/4 cup (for marinating the fish)
Pecans
1/4 cup (finely ground in blender or food processor)
Breadcrumbs
3/4 cup (for the crust)
Garlic cloves
3 (minced or pressed)
Fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (minced)
Dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Paprika
1/2 teaspoon (for flavor)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Cayenne pepper
1 pinch (for a touch of heat)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly oil a baking pan to prevent sticking.
2
Rinse the fish fillets under cold water and place them in a shallow dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
3
Pour the buttermilk over the fish fillets, allowing them to soak for about 10 minutes for added moisture and flavor.
4
While the fish marinates, prepare the pecan crust mixture. In a separate shallow dish, combine finely ground pecans, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
5
After marinating, remove each fillet from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each fillet in the pecan mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating on all sides.
6
Place the coated fillets in the prepared baking pan, spaced apart for even cooking.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The fish is done when the topping is lightly browned and the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
8
Serve hot, optionally with the Summer Melon Salsa for a refreshing contrast!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Pecan-Crusted Fish Fillets?
It is a dish featuring tender fish fillets coated in a crunchy crust made of ground pecans and breadcrumbs, baked until golden.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
How long should the fish soak in buttermilk?
The fish fillets should soak in buttermilk for approximately 10 minutes to add moisture and flavor.
What ingredients are in the pecan crust mixture?
The crust contains finely ground pecans, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, fresh parsley, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper.
How do I prepare the pecans for the crust?
Pecans should be finely ground using a blender or a food processor.
What is the recommended baking time for the fish?
The fish should be baked for 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
How do I know when the fish fillets are fully cooked?
The fish is done when the pecan topping is lightly browned and the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
What should I do to the baking pan before cooking?
You should lightly oil the baking pan to prevent the fish from sticking during the baking process.
What is a suggested side dish for this recipe?
Summer Melon Salsa is recommended for a refreshing contrast to the nutty fish fillets.
How many fish fillets does this recipe accommodate?
This recipe is designed for 4 fish fillets, approximately 5 to 6 ounces each.
What is the source of this recipe?
This recipe is a family favorite from the Moosewood Cookbook.
Should the fish be rinsed before cooking?
Yes, the fish fillets should be rinsed under cold water and placed in a shallow dish before soaking.
Why is buttermilk used in this recipe?
Buttermilk is used to marinate the fish, ensuring it remains moist and flavorful during baking.
How do I apply the coating to the fillets?
Remove each fillet from the buttermilk, let the excess drip off, and dredge it in the pecan mixture, pressing gently to coat.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe calls for minced fresh parsley and dried thyme.
Is this fish recipe spicy?
It has a subtle touch of heat from a pinch of cayenne pepper.
How should the fillets be arranged in the baking pan?
Place the coated fillets in the prepared baking pan, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking.
What amount of breadcrumbs is needed?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of breadcrumbs for the crust.
How much garlic is used in the pecan crust?
You will need 3 garlic cloves, which should be minced or pressed.
What role does paprika play in the recipe?
Paprika is included in the pecan mixture to provide extra flavor.
Can I use a blender for the pecans?
Yes, a blender or a food processor is perfect for grinding the pecans into a fine texture.
What quantity of buttermilk is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of buttermilk for the marinating process.
How many pecans are needed for the crust?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of pecans.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish features tender fish with a golden, crunchy exterior.
Is this recipe considered a healthy dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy dinner and seafood option.
What amount of salt is added to the crust?
The crust mixture includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt for seasoning.
What amount of dried thyme is used?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme for the seasoning blend.
What amount of fresh parsley is required?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of minced fresh parsley.
Is this recipe suitable for summer?
Yes, it is described as a vibrant meal that celebrates the flavors of summer.
Does this recipe include any spicy components?
Yes, it includes one pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle touch of heat.