Blue Fish with Citrus

Featured in: Rustic Cozy Dinners

This dish features succulent blue fish fillets, complemented by a medley of fresh vegetables including fennel, red onion, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Aromatic hints of lemon zest, garlic, and fresh herbs enliven the flavors, while a touch of smoked paprika adds warmth. The fish and shrimp are gently baked to retain moisture and tenderness. Optional quinoa or wild rice provide a wholesome base, making this a balanced and vibrant seafood-inspired main course.

Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 10:57:00 GMT
Plongeons dans l'Océan Poisson Bleu showcasing flaky blue fish with vibrant tomatoes and fresh herbs. Save
Plongeons dans l'Océan Poisson Bleu showcasing flaky blue fish with vibrant tomatoes and fresh herbs. | pecangroove.com

A vibrant seafood dish featuring tender blue fish fillets, fresh vegetables, and a hint of citrus, evoking the freshness of the ocean.

I enjoy making this dish when I want a healthy and satisfying meal that reminds me of the ocean's freshness.

Ingredients

  • Fish & Seafood: 4 blue fish fillets (eg mackerel, sardine, or bluefish) about 150 g each, 200 g small shrimp peeled and deveined
  • Vegetables: 1 fennel bulb thinly sliced, 1 red onion finely chopped, 1 small zucchini diced, 200 g cherry tomatoes halved
  • Aromatics & Seasonings: 2 cloves garlic minced, Zest and juice of 1 lemon, 1 tbsp capers drained, 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped, 1 tsp sea salt, ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, ½ tsp smoked paprika, 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Accompaniment: 200 g cooked quinoa or wild rice (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
Step 2:
Rinse and pat dry the blue fish fillets. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Step 3:
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the red onion and fennel sauté for 34 minutes until softened.
Step 4:
Add garlic and zucchini cook for another 2 minutes. Stir in cherry tomatoes, capers, half the lemon zest, and half the parsley.
Step 5:
Lay the blue fish fillets and shrimp over the vegetables. Drizzle with remaining olive oil and lemon juice.
Step 6:
Sprinkle with dill and remaining lemon zest. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 1518 minutes until the fish is cooked through and the shrimp are pink.
Step 7:
Remove from oven, garnish with the rest of the parsley. Serve hot, optionally over quinoa or wild rice.
This colorful Plongeons dans l'Océan Poisson Bleu features perfectly cooked fish and tender shrimp, ready to enjoy. Save
This colorful Plongeons dans l'Océan Poisson Bleu features perfectly cooked fish and tender shrimp, ready to enjoy. | pecangroove.com

This dish always brings the family together for a warm and flavorful meal.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé to complement the flavors.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Variations

Add a pinch of chili flakes before baking for a spicier version of the dish.

Imagine succulent baked Plongeons dans l'Océan Poisson Bleu; the delicate seafood is served with fresh herbs. Save
Imagine succulent baked Plongeons dans l'Océan Poisson Bleu; the delicate seafood is served with fresh herbs. | pecangroove.com

A perfect recipe to enjoy the taste of fresh seafood at home with minimal effort.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What types of fish are suitable for this dish?

Bluefish, mackerel, and sardines work well due to their firm texture and rich flavor.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, adding a pinch of chili flakes before baking introduces a pleasant spicy kick.

Is it possible to substitute the shrimp?

You can omit shrimp or use other shellfish depending on preference and availability.

What side dishes complement this preparation?

Cooked quinoa or wild rice are excellent options to accompany and balance the flavors.

How do the lemon zest and juice enhance the flavors?

They add brightness and subtle acidity, highlighting the freshness of the seafood and vegetables.

Which herbs are used to flavor this dish?

Fresh parsley and dill are incorporated for their aromatic and fresh herbal notes.

Blue Fish with Citrus

Tender blue fish fillets combined with fresh vegetables and citrus for a vibrant main dish.

Prep Duration
20 min
Cook Duration
25 min
Overall Time
45 min
By Pecan Groove Holly Emerson

Recipe Group Rustic Cozy Dinners

Skill Level Medium

Culinary Tradition French

Portions 4 Number of Servings

Diet Concerns No Dairy, No Gluten

What You'll Need

Fish & Seafood

01 4 blue fish fillets (e.g., mackerel, sardine, or bluefish), about 5.3 oz each
02 7 oz small shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables

01 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
02 1 red onion, finely chopped
03 1 small zucchini, diced
04 7 oz cherry tomatoes, halved

Aromatics & Seasonings

01 2 cloves garlic, minced
02 Zest and juice of 1 lemon
03 1 tbsp capers, drained
04 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
05 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
06 1 tsp sea salt
07 ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
08 ½ tsp smoked paprika
09 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Accompaniment

01 7 oz cooked quinoa or wild rice (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Step 02

Prepare fish: Rinse and pat dry the blue fish fillets. Season both sides with sea salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

Step 03

Sauté vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the red onion and fennel; sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.

Step 04

Add more vegetables and seasoning: Add minced garlic and diced zucchini; cook for 2 more minutes. Stir in cherry tomatoes, capers, half the lemon zest, and half the parsley.

Step 05

Combine seafood and finish preparation: Place the blue fish fillets and shrimp over the vegetable mixture. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and lemon juice.

Step 06

Add herbs and bake: Sprinkle fresh dill and the remaining lemon zest over the top. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until fish is cooked through and shrimp are pink.

Step 07

Serve: Remove skillet from oven, garnish with remaining parsley, and serve hot, optionally over cooked quinoa or wild rice.

Tools Needed

  • Ovenproof skillet or baking dish
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons

Allergy Details

Always check each item for allergens and reach out to your doctor if unsure.
  • Contains fish and shellfish (shrimp).
  • Verify allergens in capers and other processed ingredients.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

Nutrition info is a guide; don't substitute for professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 340
  • Fat content: 15 g
  • Carbohydrate: 12 g
  • Protein Amount: 36 g