Zesty Garlic-Lemon Crusted Fish
Indulge in this flavorful Zesty Garlic-Lemon Crusted Fish, a high-protein dish that's not only delicious but also simple to prepare. This recipe features tender fish fillets coated with a zesty herb-infused butter and crispy breadcrumb topping, baked to perfection. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a fancy weekend meal, this dish will impress your family and friends alike. Serve it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for complete meal.
N/A
Servings
120
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
melted butter
1/4 cup (melted)
lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
sugar
1/2 teaspoon (granulated)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
paprika
1/8 teaspoon (smoked or sweet)
basil
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon (ground)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
fish fillets
1 lb (cod or haddock, skinless and boneless)
dry breadcrumbs
1/3 cup (plain or seasoned)
vegetable oil cooking spray
as needed (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large glass Pyrex measuring cup, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stove. Once melted, stir in the lemon juice, sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, basil, and garlic powder until well combined.
3
Pour the breadcrumbs into a shallow bowl or platter, ensuring they are evenly spread out for easy coating.
4
Spray a shallow baking dish with vegetable oil cooking spray to prevent sticking.
5
Cut the fish into individual serving pieces and dip each piece into the melted butter mixture to coat evenly.
6
Transfer the butter-coated fillets to the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they are thoroughly coated on all sides.
7
Place the breaded fillets in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
8
Drizzle any remaining butter mixture over the coated fish, and use a pastry brush to lightly tap additional butter onto the tops of the fillets for an even crust.
9
If needed, melt additional butter for proper coating.
10
Bake the fish, uncovered, for 15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through.
11
Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
7g
Carbs
10.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Garlic-Lemon Crusted Fish?
It is a high-protein seafood dish featuring fish fillets coated in a zesty herb-infused butter and crispy breadcrumb topping, baked until tender.
What kind of fish is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using skinless and boneless fish fillets such as cod or haddock.
What is the baking temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long does the fish need to bake?
The fish typically takes about 15 minutes to bake, or until it flakes easily with a fork.
What are the nutritional values per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 120 calories, 6g of fat, 7g of carbohydrates, and 10.5g of protein.
How do I check if the fish is fully cooked?
The fish is cooked through when it flakes easily when tested with a fork.
Can I use seasoned breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can use either plain or seasoned dry breadcrumbs for the coating.
What spices are used in the butter mixture?
The mixture includes pepper, paprika (smoked or sweet), dried basil, and garlic powder.
Why is sugar added to the recipe?
A small amount of sugar (1/2 teaspoon) is used to balance the acidity of the lemon juice.
How much butter is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of melted butter, with a little extra potentially needed for coating.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should spray a shallow baking dish with vegetable oil cooking spray to prevent the fish from sticking.
Can I use fresh lemon juice?
Yes, the recipe specifically suggests 1 1/2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What should I serve with this fish?
It pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is described as a quick recipe that is simple to prepare for both weeknights and special occasions.
How do I apply the breadcrumbs?
Dip the fish fillets into the butter mixture first, then transfer them to a bowl of breadcrumbs and press gently to coat.
What is the role of the pastry brush?
The pastry brush is used to tap any remaining butter onto the tops of the breaded fillets to ensure an even, crispy crust.
Can I use dried basil?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of dried basil.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe uses 1/8 teaspoon of ground garlic powder.
Should the fish be covered while baking?
No, the fish should be baked uncovered to allow the breadcrumb crust to become crispy.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 lb of fish, which can be cut into individual serving pieces.
Can I use lime instead of lemon?
While the recipe calls for lemon, lime juice can be used as a substitute for a different citrus profile.
How much paprika is included?
The recipe includes 1/8 teaspoon of smoked or sweet paprika.
Is this a high-protein meal?
Yes, it provides 10.5g of protein per serving and is tagged as a high-protein dish.
What equipment is needed for the butter mixture?
A large glass Pyrex measuring cup is ideal for melting the butter and stirring in the other ingredients.
Can I use frozen fish fillets?
Yes, but ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before starting the breading process.
Is there a lot of sodium in this dish?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt, though the specific sodium count is not provided.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
The tags include fish, baked fish, garlic, lemon, high protein, healthy dinner, and seafood.
How much black pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper.
Can I use other white fish besides cod or haddock?
Yes, any firm white fish fillet should work well with this preparation method.
Should I let the fish rest after baking?
Yes, it is recommended to let the fish sit for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before serving.