Description
A healthy and flavorful meal featuring perfectly seared white fish fillets served atop fluffy quinoa and vibrant sautéed vegetables, garnished with fresh lemon and parsley for a bright finish. This balanced dish is quick to prepare, making it ideal for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 2 white fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or halibut)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Quinoa
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or broth
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil (for quinoa)
Vegetables
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for veggies)
Garnish
- Fresh lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa: Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water, then combine it with 2 cups of water or broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover and let it simmer for 15 minutes. After cooking, remove from heat, fluff the quinoa with a fork, and stir in butter or olive oil to add richness.
- Season the fish: Pat the fish fillets dry and season them evenly on both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to enhance their flavor.
- Sear the fish: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the seasoned fish fillets in the hot pan and sear them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until they develop a golden crust and are cooked through. Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Using the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the sliced red onion and minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add diced zucchini, chopped bell pepper, and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook the vegetables for 5 to 7 minutes until they are tender yet maintain vibrant colors and slight crunch.
- Assemble and serve: Plate the fluffy quinoa, top it with the sautéed veggies, and place the seared fish fillet on top. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges to add brightness and freshness to the dish.
Notes
- Rinsing quinoa helps remove its bitter coating called saponin.
- Use fish fillets that are about 1-inch thick for optimal searing.
- Adjust seasoning on fish and vegetables according to taste.
- For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice over the fish just before serving.
- Vegetables can be swapped or added to based on preference, such as adding mushrooms or spinach.
