Herb-Crusted Baked Orange Roughy
This Herb-Crusted Baked Orange Roughy is a delightful dish that showcases the mild, sweet flavors of orange roughy, making it a perfect introduction to seafood for the whole family. The succulent fish is coated in a buttery, garlicky breadcrumb topping, complemented by the freshness of diced tomatoes and a sprinkle of parsley. Whether served with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad, this dish is sure to impress even the most hesitant fish eaters. Its simplicity and flavor make it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or special occasions alike.
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Orange Roughy
8 ounces (about 2 fillets)
Skim Milk
1/3 cup (for soaking the fish)
Butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
Paprika
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Breadcrumbs
1/3 cup (for coating)
Garlic
1 large clove (pressed)
Onion
1/3 cup (chopped)
Diced Tomato
1/3 cup (fresh)
Parsley
1 teaspoon (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
Lightly grease a 9x9 inch baking dish or pan with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
3
Place the orange roughy fillets in a single layer in the prepared pan, ensuring they are not overlapping.
4
Pour the skim milk over the fish, allowing it to soak and enhance the fish's natural flavor.
5
In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, breadcrumbs, paprika, pressed garlic, chopped onion, diced tomato, and chopped parsley. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
6
Spread the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the fish, ensuring a generous coating for added flavor.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
8
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herb-Crusted Baked Orange Roughy?
It is a seafood dish featuring mild, sweet orange roughy fillets topped with a savory mixture of butter, garlic, breadcrumbs, onions, tomatoes, and parsley, then baked until tender.
What does orange roughy taste like?
Orange roughy has a very mild and slightly sweet flavor with a delicate, moist texture, making it an excellent choice for those who do not like 'fishy' tasting seafood.
At what temperature should I bake the orange roughy?
The oven should be preheated and set to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).
How long does it take to cook Herb-Crusted Baked Orange Roughy?
The fish typically takes between 20 to 25 minutes to bake, or until it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
What ingredients are in the herb crust?
The crust is made from a combination of melted butter, breadcrumbs, paprika, pressed garlic, chopped onion, diced tomato, and chopped parsley.
Why is skim milk used in this recipe?
The fish fillets are soaked in skim milk to enhance their natural flavor and help keep the meat moist during the baking process.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This specific recipe is designed to serve 2 people, using approximately 8 ounces of fish.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 9x9 inch baking dish or pan is ideal for keeping the fillets in a single layer.
How do I know when the fish is fully cooked?
The fish is done when the flesh is opaque and it flakes easily when tested with the tines of a fork.
Can I use fresh tomatoes for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/3 cup of fresh diced tomatoes to be mixed into the breadcrumb topping.
Is orange roughy a healthy dinner option?
Yes, it is considered a healthy dinner choice as it is a light meal featuring lean protein and fresh vegetable components.
What should I serve with this dish?
This fish pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh, light garden salad.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
While fresh parsley is recommended for the best flavor and garnish, you can use dried parsley if necessary, though the quantity should be reduced slightly.
Should the fish fillets be overlapped in the pan?
No, you should place the orange roughy fillets in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly.
How do I prepare the garlic for the topping?
The recipe specifies using one large clove of garlic that has been pressed to integrate its flavor into the butter and breadcrumb mixture.
What is the purpose of paprika in this recipe?
Paprika is used as a seasoning in the breadcrumb mixture to add a hint of warmth and a bit of color to the crust.
Do I need to grease the baking pan?
Yes, you should lightly grease the pan with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent the fish from sticking.
Can I use frozen orange roughy fillets?
Yes, you can use frozen fillets, but they must be completely thawed and patted dry before you begin the soaking and baking process.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Absolutely; it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' because it involves simple mixing and baking steps that are perfect for any skill level.
How much butter is needed?
You will need 2 tablespoons of melted butter to bind the breadcrumb and herb mixture.
Can I double the recipe for four people?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish to accommodate more fillets.
Should I garnish the dish before or after baking?
The main parsley is mixed into the crust, but you can add additional fresh parsley as a garnish after the fish is removed from the oven.
Can I substitute the skim milk?
While skim milk is recommended for a lighter version, you can substitute with 1% or 2% milk if that is what you have on hand.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, because the fish is mild and sweet and the topping is buttery and crunchy, it is often well-received by children.
What type of breadcrumbs should I use?
Standard plain breadcrumbs work perfectly, but you could also use Panko for a crispier texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 1-2 days for the best quality.
Can I add lemon to this recipe?
While not in the original recipe, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the fish before serving complements the herb crust beautifully.
Does the breadcrumb mixture need to be well mixed?
Yes, you should mix the butter, crumbs, and vegetables thoroughly until they are well incorporated before spreading them on the fish.
Is orange roughy a sustainable fish?
Sustainability varies by region; it is always best to check current seafood guides for the specific source of your orange roughy.
Can I use onions other than white onions?
Yes, you can use yellow onions or even shallots if you prefer a milder, sweeter onion flavor in the crust.