Lemon-Basil Stuffed White Fish Delight
Indulge in a culinary masterpiece with this Lemon-Basil Stuffed White Fish Delight! Perfect for entertaining, this recipe showcases the delicate flavors of your chosen white fish, whether it's haddock, flounder, or even a luxurious salmon or swordfish. The creamy crabmeat stuffing, combined with the crispy Ritz cracker topping, creates a mouthwatering experience that is sure to impress your guests. The bright burst of fresh lemon juice adds a refreshing tang, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Ideal for special occasions or a delightful family dinner, this dish promises to be a highlight on any table.
4
Servings
350
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Haddock fillets or other white fish
2 lbs (filleted)
Lemon
1-2 (juiced)
Butter
1/4 cup (diced into pats)
Ritz crackers
36 (crushed finely (1 sleeve))
Crabmeat
1 (6 ounce) can (drained)
Butter
1/2 cup (melted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Arrange the fish fillets in a large casserole dish or a 9x13 inch baking pan. Ensure they lay flat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fish and dot with small pieces of butter.
4
In a separate mixing bowl, crush the Ritz crackers finely until they resemble breadcrumbs.
5
Gently fold the drained crabmeat into the crushed crackers, ensuring even distribution.
6
Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is well combined and slightly moistened.
7
Spread a thick, even layer of the cracker and crab mixture over the fish fillets, approximately 1 inch in thickness.
8
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is no longer opaque in the center.
9
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
10
Drizzle with additional fresh lemon juice before serving to enhance the flavors.
Nutrition Information
19g
Fat
25g
Carbs
23g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon-Basil Stuffed White Fish Delight?
It is a culinary masterpiece featuring white fish fillets topped with a rich stuffing made of crabmeat and crushed Ritz crackers, finished with a bright burst of fresh lemon.
What types of fish are recommended for this recipe?
You can use any white fish such as haddock or flounder, or even heavier options like salmon or swordfish.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the fish need to bake?
The fish should be baked for 20 to 25 minutes until it flakes easily with a fork.
What are the ingredients for the stuffing?
The stuffing is made from a sleeve of finely crushed Ritz crackers, one 6-ounce can of drained crabmeat, and 1/2 cup of melted butter.
How much fish do I need for this recipe?
You will need 2 pounds of filleted white fish.
How do I prepare the Ritz crackers for the topping?
Crush approximately 36 Ritz crackers (one sleeve) finely until they resemble breadcrumbs.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 23 grams of protein per serving.
Should I season the fish before adding the stuffing?
Yes, arrange the fillets in the pan and season with salt and pepper to taste before topping.
Is there butter involved in the prep other than in the stuffing?
Yes, 1/4 cup of butter should be diced into pats and placed over the fish fillets before adding the cracker mixture.
How thick should the cracker and crabmeat layer be?
The mixture should be spread in a thick, even layer approximately 1 inch in thickness.
What size baking pan is best?
A large casserole dish or a 9x13 inch baking pan is ideal.
Can I use fresh crabmeat instead of canned?
Yes, while the recipe specifies a 6-ounce can, fresh drained crabmeat is an excellent substitution.
When should I add the lemon juice?
Squeeze lemon juice over the raw fish before baking, and drizzle additional juice over the finished dish before serving.
What is the fat content in this dish?
This recipe contains 19 grams of fat per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I know when the fish is fully cooked?
The fish is ready when it is no longer opaque in the center and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
Does the recipe require salt and pepper?
Yes, they are used to season the fish fillets during the initial preparation step.
Is this recipe suitable for entertaining guests?
Yes, it is described as an elegant dinner choice perfect for special occasions and entertaining.
How many lemons do I need?
You will need 1 to 2 lemons for juicing.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe falls under the Whitefish category.
Is there any sugar or fiber in this recipe?
Based on the provided data, the sugar and fiber content are not specified and are likely negligible.
Can I use flounder for this recipe?
Yes, flounder is specifically mentioned as a great white fish option for this dish.
How do I mix the stuffing?
Gently fold the crabmeat into the crushed crackers, then stir in the melted butter until moistened.
Should the fish be filleted?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 lbs of white fish that has been filleted.
What texture should the topping have?
The topping should be crispy from the Ritz crackers and slightly moistened by the butter and crabmeat.
Should I let the fish cool before serving?
The instructions recommend allowing the dish to cool slightly after removing it from the oven before serving.
What tags are associated with this dish?
Common tags include stuffed fish, seafood dish, crabmeat stuffing, baked fish, and elegant dinner.