Golden Almond-Crusted Baked Fish
This delightful Golden Almond-Crusted Baked Fish is a perfect harmony of flavors and textures, adapted from Johanna Burkhard's acclaimed '400 Best Comfort Food Recipes.' It showcases the subtle sweetness of almonds paired with fresh herbs and zesty citrus notes. This versatile dish allows you to choose from a variety of fish fillets such as halibut or tilapia, ensuring you can make it with whatever you have on hand. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this high-protein meal is both nutritious and satisfying. The crispy topping and tender fish create a delightful contrast that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
N/A
Servings
125
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (Use either panko or fresh breadcrumbs)
Blanched Slivered Almonds
1/3 cup (Finely chopped in food processor)
Dried Basil or Dried Oregano
1/2 teaspoon (Use either or adjust according to preference)
Orange Zest or Lemon Zest
1/2 teaspoon (Freshly grated)
Garlic Clove
1 (Minced)
Fish Fillet
1 lb (Any firm white fish like halibut or tilapia)
Butter
1 tablespoon (Melted)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (Extra virgin preferred)
Salt
to taste (To season)
Pepper
to taste (To season)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
In a food processor, combine the breadcrumbs, blanched slivered almonds, minced garlic, dried herbs, and citrus zest. Pulse until the almonds are finely chopped and everything is well mixed.
3
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and olive oil until combined.
4
Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5
Brush the tops of the fish fillets generously with the melted butter and olive oil mixture. Season them with salt and pepper to taste.
6
Evenly sprinkle the almond breadcrumb mixture over the fish fillets, pressing down gently to ensure it adheres well. Drizzle any remaining butter and oil mixture over the fillets.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the topping is golden brown.
8
Serve immediately, accompanied by lemon wedges if desired, for an extra touch of freshness.
Nutrition Information
5.5g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Golden Almond-Crusted Baked Fish?
It is a nutritious and satisfying high-protein meal featuring fish fillets topped with a crispy mixture of almonds, breadcrumbs, herbs, and citrus zest.
Which fish fillets are recommended for this recipe?
You can use any firm white fish such as halibut or tilapia.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit or 220 degrees Celsius.
How long does the fish need to bake?
Bake the fish for 8 to 10 minutes until it flakes easily with a fork.
What type of breadcrumbs should I use?
You can use either panko or fresh breadcrumbs for the crust.
What type of almonds are best for the topping?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of blanched slivered almonds that are finely chopped.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 125 calories.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, it provides about 12.5 grams of protein per serving.
Can I use lemon zest instead of orange zest?
Yes, you can use either 1/2 teaspoon of orange zest or lemon zest depending on your preference.
What dried herbs work well with this dish?
Dried basil or dried oregano are both excellent choices for this recipe.
Do I need to mince the garlic?
Yes, the recipe requires one minced garlic clove to be mixed into the breadcrumb topping.
Should I pat the fish dry before cooking?
Yes, patting the fish fillets dry with paper towels helps remove excess moisture before brushing with oil.
How do I prepare the almond topping?
Combine breadcrumbs, almonds, garlic, herbs, and zest in a food processor and pulse until the almonds are finely chopped.
What do I brush on the fish before adding the crust?
Brush the fillets generously with a mixture of one tablespoon of melted butter and one tablespoon of olive oil.
How do I ensure the almond mixture sticks to the fish?
Press down gently on the almond breadcrumb mixture after sprinkling it over the buttered fillets.
What is the fat content of this dish?
It contains 5.5 grams of fat per serving.
Are there carbohydrates in this recipe?
Yes, there are 7.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Should I line my baking sheet?
Yes, it is recommended to use a parchment-lined baking sheet for the fish fillets.
Who is the original inspiration for this recipe?
This dish is adapted from Johanna Burkhard's acclaimed book '400 Best Comfort Food Recipes.'
Is this a good recipe for weeknight dinners?
Yes, it is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner as it bakes in under 10 minutes.
Can I serve this dish to guests?
Yes, the recipe is described as an impressive dish for guests due to its contrast of crispy topping and tender fish.
Should I season the fish before adding the crust?
Yes, season the fillets with salt and pepper to taste after brushing them with the butter and oil mixture.
What can I serve as a garnish?
Serve the fish immediately with lemon wedges if desired for an extra touch of freshness.
Can I use extra virgin olive oil?
Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for whisking with the melted butter.
What kind of texture does the topping have?
The topping provides a delightful golden brown crispy contrast to the tender fish.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredients including the seasonings.
How do I know when the fish is fully cooked?
The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and the topping has turned golden brown.
Is this recipe considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is a healthy, high-protein meal that uses nutritious ingredients like almonds and fresh fish.
What total weight of fish does the recipe require?
The recipe is designed for 1 lb of fish fillets.
Is it necessary to use a food processor for the almonds?
A food processor is the most efficient way to pulse the almonds into a fine chop so they mix well with the breadcrumbs.