Introduction
This delightful fish dish is perfect for a quick and elegant meal. With a rich, creamy sauce enriched with Dijon mustard and garlic, it complements the tender fish fillets beautifully. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
4 fish fillets (150-180g / 5-6 oz each), about 1.5 cm (1/2 inch) thick, skinless and boneless
50g (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter
1/4 cup heavy/thickened cream
1-2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1.5 tablespoons lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
1.5 tablespoons finely chopped shallots (French onions)
Fresh parsley and lemon slices, for serving
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
10-12 minutes
Total Time
20-22 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the fish fillets.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Place the fish fillets in a baking dish, ensuring they fit comfortably without overlapping. Season both sides with salt and pepper for added flavor.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unsalted butter, heavy cream, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and additional salt and pepper. Microwave the mixture for two 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the sauce is melted and smooth.
Step 4: Add Shallots and Sauce
Sprinkle the finely chopped shallots evenly over the fish fillets. Then, pour the prepared sauce over the fish, ensuring they are well-coated.
Step 5: Bake the Fish
Bake the fish fillets in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 6: Serve the Fish
Remove the baking dish from the oven. Carefully transfer the fish fillets to serving plates, spooning the remaining sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving.
Notes
Fish Selection
Choose fresh, skinless, and boneless fish fillets for the best results. Options like cod, tilapia, or haddock work well in this recipe.
Adjusting the Sauce
Feel free to adjust the ingredients in the sauce based on personal taste. Add more garlic or lemon juice for extra flavor.
Doneness
To check if the fish is done, it should be opaque and easily flake with a fork. Avoid overcooking to keep it tender and moist.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Oven Baking
Oven baking is a method where food is cooked using dry heat in an oven. The controlled temperature allows for even cooking, making it ideal for fish fillets, which can become dry if overcooked. This technique retains moisture while creating a delightful texture.
Microwave Melting
Microwave melting involves using a microwave to gently heat solids such as butter until they liquefy. This technique is quick and convenient for combining ingredients like butter, cream, and seasonings into a smooth sauce.
Seasoning
Seasoning is the process of adding salt, pepper, and other flavorings to enhance the taste of a dish. Proper seasoning of both sides of the fish ensures a flavorful base that complements the rich sauce.
Garnishing
Garnishing involves adding decorative and flavorful elements to a dish before serving. Fresh parsley and lemon slices not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide a fresh, zesty flavor that balances the richness of the dish.
FAQ
How do I know when the fish is cooked through?
The fish is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in color. Baking it for 10-12 minutes should be sufficient for fillets of the specified thickness.
Can I substitute any of the ingredients?
Yes, you can substitute olive oil for butter, use non-dairy cream for a lighter version, or opt for different types of mustard (like whole grain) for varied flavors.
What type of fish works best for this recipe?
White fish varieties like cod, haddock, or tilapia are ideal for this recipe due to their mild flavor and firm texture, which holds up well during baking.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce beforehand and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it gently in the microwave before pouring it over the fish before baking.
What sides pair well with this dish?
This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad, which help to balance the richness of the fish and sauce.
Conclusion
This delicious fish fillet recipe is both easy to prepare and packed with flavor. The creamy garlic mustard sauce perfectly complements the fish, making it a delightful meal for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that will impress family and friends alike. Serve it with fresh parsley and lemon slices for an added touch of elegance.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Herb-Crusted Baked Fish
Replace the sauce with a mixture of breadcrumbs, freshly chopped herbs, and olive oil for a crispy topping.
Lemon-Butter Shrimp Pasta
Use the same lemon-butter sauce for sautéing shrimp and toss it with your favorite pasta for a quick meal.
Fish Tacos with Creamy Sauce
Shred the cooked fish, serve it in tortillas, and drizzle with the creamy sauce combined with some added salsa for a tasty twist.
Grilled Fish with Fruit Salsa
Serve the fish with a refreshing fruit salsa made from mango, avocado, and lime for a vibrant flavor combination.
Vegetable Stir-Fry with Creamy Sauce
Use the sauce over a medley of sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian option that still gives you that creamy sensation.
