Southern-Style Baked Perch with Smoky Barbecue Sauce
This Southern-Style Baked Perch with Smoky Barbecue Sauce brings a comforting nostalgia straight from the heart of Louisiana. Adapted from a cherished 1985 Southern Living magazine recipe, this dish captures the essence of summer family gatherings. Tender perch fillets are delicately baked in a rich, smoky barbecue sauce that features a delightful blend of sautéed onions and green peppers, creating a perfect balance of flavors. This healthy and flavorful meal is ideal for cozy dinners or as a crowd-pleaser for guests, ensuring a taste of the South in every bite.
N/A
Servings
100
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chopped onions
3 tablespoons (Freshly chopped)
Chopped green peppers
3 tablespoons (Freshly chopped)
Vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (For sautéing)
Tomato sauce
8 ounces (Canned)
Brown sugar
2 tablespoons (Packed)
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed or bottled)
Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon (Liquid seasoning)
Frozen perch fillet
1 lb (Thawed)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Ground, to taste)
Instructions
1
In a heavy saucepan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and green peppers, sautéing until they are tender and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Stir in the tomato sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
3
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the sauce simmers, thaw the perch fillets if not done already and pat them dry with a paper towel.
4
Grease a 12 x 7 x 2-inch baking dish. Arrange the thawed perch fillets in the dish, and sprinkle them with salt and pepper to taste.
5
Pour the barbecue sauce evenly over the fish fillets, ensuring they are well-coated.
6
Bake the dish uncovered in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Check the fish at the 10-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition Information
3.75g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern-Style Baked Perch with Smoky Barbecue Sauce?
It is a Louisiana-inspired dish featuring perch fillets baked in a rich, smoky barbecue sauce with sautéed onions and green peppers.
What kind of fish is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for perch fillets, which are typically purchased frozen and then thawed.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 100 calories per serving of this baked perch dish.
What are the primary ingredients for the smoky barbecue sauce?
The sauce is made from tomato sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and sautéed onions and peppers.
At what temperature should I bake the fish?
You should preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the fish.
How long does the perch take to cook?
The fish should be baked for 10-15 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork.
Should the fish be covered while baking?
No, the instructions specify baking the dish uncovered in the oven.
How do I prepare the perch fillets before baking?
Thaw the fillets if frozen, pat them dry with a paper towel, and season them with salt and pepper.
What size baking dish is required?
A 12 x 7 x 2-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How long should the sauce simmer?
Once the sauce ingredients are combined and brought to a boil, let the mixture simmer covered for 15 minutes.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This dish is adapted from a cherished 1985 Southern Living magazine recipe from Louisiana.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This recipe contains 3.75g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in the baked perch?
There is 7.5g of protein per serving.
What vegetables are used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons each of chopped onions and chopped green peppers.
How much brown sugar is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Yes, you can use either freshly squeezed or bottled lemon juice.
How do I know when the fish is fully cooked?
The fish is done when it flakes easily when tested with a fork, usually between 10 and 15 minutes.
What type of oil should I use for sautéing?
The recipe recommends using 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
What quantity of tomato sauce is needed?
You will need one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredients including the fish and seasonings.
Is this recipe considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is described as a healthy and flavorful meal ideal for cozy dinners.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 7.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much Worcestershire sauce is added?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of liquid Worcestershire sauce.
How long should I sauté the onions and peppers?
Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender and fragrant.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should grease the 12 x 7 x 2-inch baking dish before adding the fillets.
When should I check the fish to avoid overcooking?
It is recommended to check the fish at the 10-minute mark.
Is this recipe suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is noted as a crowd-pleaser and a great option for family gatherings.
What seasonings are used for the fillets?
The fillets are sprinkled with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper.
What is the main flavor profile of the sauce?
The sauce provides a smoky and slightly sweet flavor profile balanced by tangy lemon and tomato.
Can I use this recipe for other types of seafood?
While written for perch, the smoky barbecue sauce is a classic Southern seafood pairing that could work with other white fish.