Get ready to transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this sensational Orange Roughy with Basil and Peppers recipe! Imagine diving into a perfectly cooked, delicate fish fillet that's kissed by golden peppers and aromatic fresh basil - a dish so vibrant and flavorful, it'll make your taste buds dance with pure delight. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a cooking novice, this Italian-inspired recipe promises to elevate your meal from simple to spectacular in just 35 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 fillets of orange roughy
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Ensure the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven for even cooking.
- Rinse the orange roughy fillets under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This helps ensure a better sear and prevents excess moisture.
- Season both sides of the fish fillets generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Slice the red and yellow bell peppers into thin, uniform strips approximately 1/4 inch wide to ensure even cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be shimmering but not smoking.
- Carefully place the seasoned fish fillets into the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom develops a light golden crust.
- Add the sliced bell peppers around the fish fillets in the skillet, distributing them evenly.
- Transfer the skillet with fish and peppers into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the fish and peppers immediately.
- Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the fish to finish cooking gently.
- Carefully transfer the fish and peppers to serving plates, ensuring each plate receives an equal portion of peppers.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Pat the fish dry: Moisture is the enemy of a perfect sear. Use paper towels to ensure your fillets are completely dry before cooking.
- Use an oven-safe skillet: This allows for seamless stovetop-to-oven cooking and minimizes dish cleanup.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Give your fish and peppers enough space to cook evenly and develop a beautiful golden color.
- Watch the cooking time carefully: Orange roughy is a delicate fish that can quickly become dry if overcooked. The 10-12 minute oven time is crucial.
- Fresh basil makes all the difference: Use freshly chopped basil right before serving to maximize its aromatic impact and flavor.
- Let the dish rest: Those extra 2-3 minutes of resting allow the flavors to meld and the fish to finish cooking gently.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 35mg
