Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly easy to make at home! This Baked Fish with Lemon Cream Sauce is about to become your new go-to recipe that will impress dinner guests and satisfy your craving for a luxurious yet simple seafood meal. With its perfectly cooked fish, velvety lemon cream sauce, and elegant presentation, this dish proves that gourmet cooking doesn't have to be complicated.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 fish fillets (cod or tilapia)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a better sear and prevents steaming.
- Season both sides of the fish fillets generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Ensure even coverage for consistent flavor.
- Arrange the seasoned fish fillets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
- In a small saucepan, combine heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Warm the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Simmer the cream sauce for 5-7 minutes until it slightly thickens and becomes smooth. Remove from heat and stir in capers.
- Place the baking sheet with fish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove the fish from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Plate the fish fillets and generously spoon the lemon cream sauce over each piece.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
- Serve immediately with your choice of side dishes like roasted vegetables, rice, or a light salad.
Tips
- Always pat your fish fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden exterior and prevent steaming.
- Use fresh, high-quality fish for the best flavor - look for firm, bright fillets with no strong fishy smell.
- Don't overcook the fish! The key is to remove it from the oven when it's just opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of herbs like dill or thyme to your cream sauce.
- If you want a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use a Greek yogurt base.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the sauce at its creamiest and the fish at its most tender.
- For a perfect pairing, choose a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay to complement the lemony flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 120mg
