Pan-Seared Fish Bowl (Printable Version)

Crispy white fish with roasted veggies over rice

# Ingredient List:

→ Fish

01 - 4 fillets (6 ounces 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 fresh parsley, chopped
19 - Salt and pepper to taste

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, toss zucchini, bell pepper, red onion, and cherry tomatoes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 18 to 20 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.
02 - Rinse rice under cold water. In a saucepan, combine rice, 2 cups water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
03 - Pat fish fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
04 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add fish fillets and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a warm plate.
05 - Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
06 - Divide cooked rice among 4 bowls. Top each portion with roasted vegetables and one fish fillet. Drizzle with lemon sauce and garnish with additional parsley if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The whole thing comes together in under 45 minutes, so weeknight dinners don't have to feel like a production.
  • Fish cooks so fast that you get restaurant-quality results without fussing, and the lemon sauce is genuinely addictive.
02 -
  • Don't skip drying the fish—wet fillets won't sear properly and you'll end up with steamed fish instead of that gorgeous golden crust everyone wants.
  • The lemon sauce should taste bright and punchy; if it seems flat, squeeze more lemon juice in and taste again before serving.
03 -
  • If your fish fillets vary in thickness, you can gently pound the thicker ones to even them out so everything cooks at the same rate.
  • Don't wander away while the fish is searing—those few minutes require your attention, and you'll hear and smell when it's ready to flip.
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