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
Scale
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.
