Save A playful, healthy dish designed in the shape of a fish, featuring fresh vegetables and tender white fish fillet. Perfect for a light lunch or an elegant starter.
This dish always impresses guests with its unique fish shape and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
- Fish: 2 small white fish fillets (e.g. cod or sole, ~120 g each), 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest, salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetables: 1 small carrot, 1 small zucchini, 1/2 red bell pepper, 1/2 yellow bell pepper, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- Decoration: 4 black olives (for eyes and scales), 2 slices cucumber (for fish mouth and tail)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- Lay the fish fillets flat and use a sharp knife to trim one end into a point (the fish head) and cut small notches along the sides for fins.
- Step 3:
- Brush the fillets with olive oil, sprinkle with lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Place them on the prepared tray.
- Step 4:
- Use thin slices of carrot, zucchini, and bell peppers to create colorful scales on top of the fillets. Reserve a few slices for the tail and fins.
- Step 5:
- Use an olive slice for the eye and a cucumber slice for the mouth. Arrange remaining vegetables to form the tail and fins.
- Step 6:
- Bake in the oven for 12 15 minutes until the fish is cooked through and the vegetables are tender but vibrant.
- Step 7:
- Carefully transfer to plates, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Save My family loves gathering around this colorful fish meal especially on weekends.
Required Tools
Sharp knife, baking tray, parchment paper, cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains fish. May contain traces of allergens depending on fish source. Double-check ingredient labels if unsure.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 180, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 8 g, Protein: 22 g per serving
Save This fish-shaped meal adds a creative and healthy touch to your dining table every time.
Recipe Q&A Section
- → What type of fish works best for this dish?
Small white fish fillets like cod or sole are ideal for their mild flavor and texture. Salmon is a tasty alternative for richer flavor and color.
- → How do you create the fish shape with the ingredients?
The fish fillets are trimmed into a pointed head with notches for fins, while thin vegetable slices are arranged on top to mimic scales, tail, and fins, enhanced with olives and cucumber for eyes and mouth.
- → Can this meal be adapted for vegetarian diets?
Yes, tofu cut into the fish shape can replace the fish fillets, allowing a vegetarian-friendly version while maintaining the presentation concept.
- → What cooking method is used for this dish?
The prepared fish and vegetable arrangement is baked in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 12–15 minutes until cooked through and vegetables stay tender but vibrant.
- → Are there any recommended garnishes or sauces?
Fresh parsley complements the dish beautifully. Optionally, a drizzle of herbed yogurt or lemon vinaigrette can enhance the flavors subtly.