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.
I enjoy making this dish for a light and tasty meal that always impresses guests with its creative look.
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 This recipe always brings smiles at family dinners, especially when the kids recognize the fish shape and enjoy the fresh veggies.
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 Enjoy this healthy and visually delightful dish as a unique addition to your meal rotation.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of fish works best for this dish?
Small white fish fillets like cod or sole are ideal due to their mild flavor and tender texture, which bake well with the vegetables.
- → How can I create the fish shape with vegetables?
Thin slices of carrot, zucchini, and bell peppers are layered as scales, while olives and cucumber slices form eyes and tail, giving the dish an appealing fish-like appearance.
- → Can this dish be adapted for dietary restrictions?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free and low-carb. For a vegetarian twist, tofu sliced and shaped like fish can replace the fillets.
- → What is the best cooking temperature and time?
Bake the assembled fish and vegetable dish at 180°C (350°F) for about 12–15 minutes until the fish is cooked through and vegetables are tender yet vibrant.
- → Are there suggestions for serving accompaniments?
This dish pairs well with a drizzle of herbed yogurt or lemon vinaigrette to enhance its fresh and light flavors.