Citrus Baked Fish

Citrus Baked Fish Recipe from Fiji - Lemon, Orange, Black Pepper, Coconut Cream, Salt

Region / culture: Fiji | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Citrus Baked Fish is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the tangy citrus flavors of lemon and mandarin with the creamy richness of coconut cream. This dish is perfect for a light and refreshing meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

The combination of citrus fruits and fish has been a popular culinary tradition in many cultures around the world. The acidity of the citrus helps to tenderize the fish while adding a bright and refreshing flavor. This particular recipe adds a tropical twist with the addition of coconut cream, creating a creamy and decadent sauce that pairs perfectly with the citrus flavors.

Ingredients

1 medium whole fresh lemon
1 mandarin or orange
0.5 tbsp ground black pepper
0.5 cup coconut cream
salt to taste

How to prepare

1. Wash and clean the fish and place it on a soft banana leaf or foil.
2. Thinly slice the lemon and mandarin or orange.
3. Arrange alternate slices of lemon and mandarin or orange on the fish from head to tail.
4. Sprinkle with black pepper and pour the coconut cream around the fish. Add salt to taste.
5. Wrap the fish well in about three layers of softened banana leaves (or foil) and bake in a moderate oven for about 40 minutes or in an earth oven for about 1 hour.
6. Serve hot with cooked root crops, breadfruit, or vudi.

Variations

You can use different types of fish such as snapper, tilapia, or salmon for this recipe.
Add additional herbs and spices such as garlic, ginger, or chili flakes for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to wrap the fish well in banana leaves or foil to ensure that the flavors are sealed in during baking.

- Adjust the amount of black pepper and salt to suit your personal taste preferences.

- For a more intense citrus flavor, you can marinate the fish in lemon and mandarin juice before baking.

- Serve the fish hot with your favorite side dishes for a complete and satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Citrus Baked Fish hot with cooked root crops, breadfruit, or vudi for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the fish in banana leaves or foil helps to seal in the flavors and moisture, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use lime or grapefruit in place of the lemon and mandarin for a different citrus flavor.

- Substitute coconut milk for coconut cream if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the fish up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Citrus Baked Fish with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve this dish with a side of steamed rice or quinoa for a complete and balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

200 per serving

Carbohydrates

5g per serving

Fats

10g per serving

Proteins

20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in Vitamin C from the citrus fruits, which helps to boost the immune system and promote healthy skin.

- The fish provides a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health and brain function.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish and coconut, which may be allergens for some individuals. Please check for any allergies before consuming.

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and healthy fats, with a moderate amount of carbohydrates. It is also rich in Vitamin C and Omega-3 fatty acids, making it a nutritious and well-rounded meal option.

Summary

Citrus Baked Fish is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With the tangy citrus flavors of lemon and mandarin, creamy coconut cream, and tender baked fish, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. It was a warm, sunny day and I was strolling through the bustling farmer's market in the heart of the city. As I perused the stalls filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs, my eyes were drawn to a display of vibrant citrus fruits. Oranges, lemons, and limes lay piled high, their bright colors catching the sunlight and beckoning me closer.

I couldn't resist picking up a few of each variety, their sweet and tangy scents filling my nostrils as I held them in my hands. A nearby vendor noticed my interest and struck up a conversation, telling me about the benefits of citrus fruits and how versatile they were in cooking.

As we chatted, she mentioned a recipe for Citrus Baked Fish that she had learned from her grandmother, a recipe that had been passed down through generations in her family. Intrigued, I asked her to share the recipe with me, and she happily obliged.

She described how the fish was marinated in a mixture of freshly squeezed citrus juices, garlic, and herbs, then baked to perfection in the oven until tender and flaky. The tangy citrus flavors would infuse the fish, giving it a bright and refreshing taste that was perfect for a light and healthy meal.

I was captivated by the idea of using citrus fruits in a savory dish like this and couldn't wait to try it out for myself. I thanked the vendor for her generosity and gathered the rest of the ingredients I would need to make the recipe at home.

When I got back to my kitchen, I set to work preparing the marinade for the fish. I squeezed the juice from the oranges, lemons, and limes, letting their sweet and tangy flavors mingle together in a bowl. I added minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil, whisking everything together until it formed a fragrant and zesty mixture.

Next, I seasoned the fish fillets with salt and pepper before pouring the citrus marinade over them, making sure to coat each piece evenly. I covered the dish and let it marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours, allowing the flavors to seep into the fish and infuse it with their bright and tangy essence.

When it was time to cook, I preheated the oven and placed the marinated fish in a baking dish, drizzling any remaining marinade over the top. The aroma that wafted from the oven as the fish baked was tantalizing, a symphony of citrus, garlic, and herbs that made my mouth water in anticipation.

After a short time, I removed the dish from the oven and carefully tested the fish with a fork, watching as it flaked easily and glistened with the juices of the citrus marinade. I plated it up, garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a wedge of lemon, the vibrant colors of the dish a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

As I took my first bite, I was transported to a world of bright flavors and refreshing sensations. The citrus fruits had worked their magic on the fish, infusing it with a burst of tanginess that was perfectly balanced by the savory notes of garlic and herbs. It was a dish that captured the essence of summer in every bite, a celebration of the season's bounty and the joy of cooking with fresh, wholesome ingredients.

From that day on, Citrus Baked Fish became a staple in my cooking repertoire, a dish that I would make again and again for family and friends. I shared the recipe with anyone who would listen, passing on the tradition of using citrus fruits in savory dishes just as the vendor had done for me.

And as I sat down to enjoy my meal, savoring the flavors and memories that it evoked, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the serendipitous encounter that had led me to discover this delicious recipe. It was a reminder of the joy that cooking can bring, the way it connects us to our past and nourishes both body and soul.

So now, whenever I make Citrus Baked Fish, I think back to that sunny day at the farmer's market and smile, grateful for the culinary journey that brought me to this moment. And I know that as long as I have my beloved citrus fruits and a kitchen to cook in, there will always be new recipes to discover and stories to share.