If you’re looking for a dish that combines comfort, delicate flavors, and a touch of elegance, the Baked Fish and Rice with Herbs and Lemon Recipe is an absolute winner. This recipe brings together flaky, tender fish nestled atop fragrant, perfectly cooked rice infused with warm spices, fresh herbs, and a zing of lemon. It’s a wholesome meal that feels special but is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it ideal for weeknights or when you want to impress without fuss. Trust me, once you try this combination, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each carefully chosen to boost flavor and texture without overpowering the dish. Every component—from the aromatic herbs to the bright lemon and subtly spiced rice—plays a vital role in creating a perfectly balanced meal.
- Long-grain white rice: It cooks fluffy and separate, creating an ideal base for the fish and herbs.
- Vegetable broth (or chicken broth): Adds depth and richness to the rice as it bakes, infusing it with savory goodness.
- Onion, finely chopped: Provides a sweet, aromatic foundation when sautéed.
- Garlic, minced: Boosts flavor with its unmistakable warmth and pungency.
- Olive oil: Offers a smooth richness and helps sauté the vegetables and coat the fish.
- Paprika: Lends color and a subtle, smoky sweetness to the rice.
- Turmeric or saffron (optional): These gorgeous spices add vibrant color and gentle earthy notes.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing the flavors together.
- Fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or mild white fish): Mild and flaky varieties work best, absorbing the lemon and herb aromatics perfectly.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the fish with fresh citrus zing.
- Dried thyme (or herbs of choice): Adds fragrant herbal notes that complement both fish and rice.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: For garnish, adding a fresh, green pop in color and flavor.
- Lemon wedges: To serve alongside for an extra citrusy squeeze.
How to Make Baked Fish and Rice with Herbs and Lemon Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Aromatics
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large oven-safe dish on the stove, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant. This step builds the aromatic foundation that will permeate the whole dish.
Step 2: Incorporate the Rice and Spices
Next, stir in the long-grain white rice, paprika, and the optional turmeric or saffron. Coating the rice in the fragrant oil and spices ensures each grain soaks up beautiful flavor and vibrant color while baking.
Step 3: Add Broth and Bake the Rice
Pour in the vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil right on the stovetop. Once bubbling, cover your dish with a tight-fitting lid or aluminum foil, and transfer it to the oven. Let it bake for 20 minutes so the rice can absorb the broth and begin to tenderize.
Step 4: Season and Prepare the Fish
While the rice starts baking, pat the fish fillets dry. Drizzle each with olive oil and lemon juice, then sprinkle generously with thyme, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoning enhances the fish’s natural flavor and keeps it moist during baking.
Step 5: Add Fish and Finish Baking
After the rice has baked for 20 minutes, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Gently arrange the prepared fish fillets on top of the partially cooked rice. Return to the oven for another 15 to 20 minutes. The fish should be fully cooked through and flaky, and the rice tender and infused with all those wonderful flavors.
Step 6: Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes. This brief pause helps the rice settle and the flavors to meld. Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and add lemon wedges on the side for everyone to tailor their citrus kick.
How to Serve Baked Fish and Rice with Herbs and Lemon Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the star garnish here, adding a burst of color and herbaceous brightness that pairs perfectly with the rich fish and spiced rice. Lemon wedges on the side invite diners to add a fresh squeeze of zest, elevating each bite with lively citrus notes.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when paired with light, crisp sides. Steamed seasonal vegetables, such as asparagus or green beans, add freshness and texture contrast. Alternatively, a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the savory flavors while keeping the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting presentation, serve the fish fillets nestled atop the rice directly from the baking dish family-style. To dress things up, plate individual portions with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of additional herbs. Adding colorful vegetable ribbons or edible flowers on the side can impress your guests visually as much as flavor-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Fish and Rice with Herbs and Lemon Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a tasty next-day lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the leftovers, separate the rice and fish portions if possible. Store them in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out, or microwave in short bursts with a splash of water to keep the rice moist. Avoid overcooking to maintain the delicate texture of the fish.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?
While long-grain white rice is ideal for its texture and cooking time, you can experiment with basmati or jasmine rice for a fragrant twist, but avoid quick-cooking rice varieties as they may overcook in the oven.
What type of fish works best in the Baked Fish and Rice with Herbs and Lemon Recipe?
Mild white fish like cod, tilapia, haddock, or sole are excellent choices since they cook evenly and absorb the herb and lemon flavors beautifully without overpowering the dish.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth. Just double-check your ingredients for any hidden gluten to keep it safe.
Is it possible to add vegetables directly to the bake?
Yes, you can add diced vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or peas along with the rice before baking for added color and nutrition. Just cut them small so they cook through in the baking time.
How do I know when the fish is perfectly cooked?
The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Baking the fish on top of the rice in the oven ensures it cooks gently and remains moist.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Baked Fish and Rice with Herbs and Lemon Recipe enough. It’s one of those beautifully balanced dishes that feels like a treat without requiring hours in the kitchen. The satisfying combination of tender rice, fragrant herbs, and flaky lemon-kissed fish comes together effortlessly and invites you to savor each bite. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients, and enjoy the heartwarming delight of this recipe with your loved ones.
Print
Baked Fish and Rice with Herbs and Lemon Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This delicious Baked Fish Rice recipe combines tender, flaky fish with perfectly cooked, flavorful rice baked together in one dish. Infused with aromatic spices, sautéed onions, and garlic, this wholesome meal is both comforting and easy to prepare, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Rice
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp turmeric or saffron (optional for color and flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Fish
- 4 fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or any mild white fish)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or any herbs of your choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish and Serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large oven-safe dish, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Flavor the Rice: Add the rice, paprika, and turmeric (if using) to the pan. Stir well to coat the rice evenly with the oil and spices.
- Add Broth and Bake Rice: Pour in the vegetable broth, season with salt and pepper, and bring the mixture to a boil on the stovetop. Once boiling, cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake the rice for 20 minutes.
- Season the Fish: While the rice is baking, prepare the fish fillets by drizzling them with olive oil and lemon juice, then sprinkle with dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Fish and Rice: After the rice has baked for 20 minutes, remove the dish from the oven. Carefully arrange the seasoned fish fillets on top of the partially cooked rice.
- Finish Baking: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the fish reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and the rice is tender.
- Rest the Dish: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and to cool slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for extra brightness.
- Optional Serving Suggestions: Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to make a wholesome, complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for a richer flavor.
- For extra color and aroma, saffron can be used instead of turmeric.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper levels.
- Use an oven-safe dish that has a lid or cover it securely with aluminum foil to retain moisture while baking.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fish fillets.
- Ensure fish is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
