Pan-Seared Fish Bowl (Printable)

Crispy fish fillets served over rice with colorful roasted vegetables and zesty lemon butter.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fish

01 - 4 fillets (5.3 oz each) flaky white fish such as cod, halibut, or tilapia
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika optional

→ Rice

05 - 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
06 - 2 cups water
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Roasted Vegetables

08 - 1 medium zucchini sliced
09 - 1 medium red bell pepper chopped
10 - 1 small red onion sliced
11 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
12 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
13 - Salt and pepper to taste
14 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano

→ Lemon Sauce

15 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
16 - 2 cloves garlic minced
17 - Juice and zest of 1 lemon
18 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
19 - Salt and pepper to taste

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, toss zucchini, bell pepper, red onion, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 18-20 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
02 - Rinse rice under cold water. In a saucepan, combine rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
03 - Pat fish fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
04 - Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add fish and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
05 - Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, zest, parsley, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
06 - Divide cooked rice among 4 bowls. Top each with roasted vegetables and a fish fillet. Drizzle with lemon sauce and garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • A complete, nutritionally balanced meal with protein, healthy fats, and fiber.
  • The lemon-butter sauce adds a refreshing zest that perfectly complements the mild fish.
  • Simple preparation steps make it an ideal choice for a wholesome weeknight dinner.
02 -
  • Use a heavy nonstick skillet to prevent the delicate white fish fillets from sticking or breaking.
  • Don't skip the resting time for the rice; it allows the steam to distribute evenly for the fluffiest texture.
  • Always check ingredient labels to ensure they meet your specific allergen requirements, especially for gluten-free diets.
Go back