🐟 Baked White Fish with Lemon Slices
📝 Ingredients (Serves 2–4)
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4 fillets white fish (cod, tilapia, haddock, or halibut)
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2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
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1 lemon, thinly sliced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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½ tsp paprika (optional, for color)
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Fresh herbs (like parsley, dill, or thyme), chopped
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Optional: a splash of white wine or vegetable broth (for baking)
🔪 Instructions
1. Prep the Fish
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Pat fish fillets dry with paper towels. Place in a lightly greased baking dish or lined sheet pan.
2. Season
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Drizzle olive oil (or melted butter) evenly over fillets.
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Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika (if using).
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Lay thin lemon slices over the top of each fillet.
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If desired, pour a few tablespoons of white wine or broth around the fish to keep it moist.
3. Bake
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Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
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Thin tilapia fillets may be done closer to 10–12 minutes.
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Thicker cod may take the full 15 or even 18 minutes.
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4. Garnish & Serve
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Sprinkle with fresh chopped herbs before serving.
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Optional: serve with lemon wedges for squeezing.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with:
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Steamed green beans or asparagus
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Roasted baby potatoes
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Herbed rice or quinoa
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A light salad with vinaigrette
✅ Tips
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Foil packet option: For super moist fish, wrap each fillet in foil with lemon and seasonings, then bake.
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Pan-searing: For a crispier texture, you can pan-sear the seasoned fillets in a hot skillet with oil (about 2–3 min per side) and finish with lemon slices.
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Don’t overcook: White fish cooks fast — remove as soon as it’s flaky and opaque to keep it tender.
Would you like a version with a buttery lemon sauce or a Mediterranean twist (e.g., olives, tomatoes, capers)?
