Name: Almond-Topped Fish Recipe
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon Butter: The foundation of our flavor base, butter provides a rich, savory note right from the start. It’s melted in the baking dish, creating a luscious bed for the onions and preventing the fish from sticking. Butter also contributes a beautiful golden hue and subtle nutty undertones when heated. For the best flavor, opt for unsalted butter, giving you more control over the saltiness of the dish. If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, consider using olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute, though butter will provide a richer flavor profile.; 1 small Onion, Thinly Sliced: Onions are the aromatic backbone of countless savory dishes, and here they serve a dual purpose. First, they create a flavorful layer beneath the fish, infusing it with their sweet and slightly pungent essence as they bake in the melted butter. Thinly slicing the onion is crucial – it ensures they soften beautifully and cook through evenly in the oven, becoming tender and almost caramelized. You can use yellow or white onions for this recipe; yellow onions offer a more balanced flavor, while white onions have a sharper bite. For a milder flavor, you could even consider using shallots.; 4 Cod or Haddock Fillets (6 ounces each): The star of the show! Cod and haddock are both excellent choices for this recipe due to their mild flavor, firm yet flaky texture, and ability to hold their shape during baking. They are also readily available and relatively affordable, making this a great option for a weeknight meal. Aim for fillets that are roughly the same size and thickness to ensure even cooking. If you can’t find cod or haddock, other white fish like tilapia, pollock, or even sea bass could work, though cooking times may need to be adjusted slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets. Fresh fish is always preferable, but frozen fillets, thawed completely, can also be used with good results. Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels before cooking to help them brown slightly and prevent them from becoming watery.; 1 teaspoon Seasoned Salt: Seasoned salt is a convenient blend of salt and various spices, adding a layer of complexity beyond just saltiness. It typically includes ingredients like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and other herbs and spices. This single ingredient streamlines the seasoning process and provides a well-rounded flavor. If you don’t have seasoned salt on hand, you can create your own blend by combining salt with a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.; 1/2 teaspoon Dill Weed: Dill weed brings a bright, herbaceous, and slightly citrusy note to the dish, complementing the mildness of the fish and the richness of the Parmesan and mayonnaise mixture. Dried dill weed is convenient and works well in this recipe. If you prefer fresh dill, use about 1 tablespoon of minced fresh dill weed for a more pronounced flavor. Dill is a classic pairing with fish, adding a fresh, summery element.; 1/4 teaspoon Pepper: Black pepper provides a subtle warmth and a touch of spice, enhancing the overall flavor profile without overpowering the other ingredients. Freshly ground black pepper is always recommended for the best flavor. Adjust the amount to your preference – if you like a bit more heat, you can increase the pepper slightly or even add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Parmesan mixture.; 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami-rich, and nutty flavor that is essential to the creamy topping. It also contributes to the beautiful golden-brown crust that forms during baking. Use finely grated Parmesan cheese for the best results – it will melt smoothly into the mayonnaise mixture and create a cohesive topping. Pre-grated Parmesan is convenient, but freshly grated Parmesan from a block will have a more intense and nuanced flavor.; 1/4 cup Reduced-Fat Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise provides the creamy base for the topping, binding the Parmesan cheese, parsley, and lemon juice together and creating a luscious texture. Reduced-fat mayonnaise is used in this recipe to lighten it up slightly without sacrificing flavor or creaminess. You can certainly use full-fat mayonnaise if you prefer a richer flavor and texture. For a tangier flavor, consider using a flavored mayonnaise like lemon aioli or garlic aioli.; 1 tablespoon Minced Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness, color, and a slightly peppery, herbaceous note to the topping. It brightens up the dish and provides a lovely visual contrast. Flat-leaf parsley (Italian parsley) is generally preferred for its more robust flavor, but curly parsley can also be used. Make sure to mince the parsley finely so it distributes evenly throughout the topping.; 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is a crucial ingredient for balancing the richness of the butter, mayonnaise, and Parmesan cheese. It adds a bright, acidic element that cuts through the richness and enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients, particularly the fish. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always superior in flavor to bottled lemon juice. You can also add a little lemon zest to the topping for an extra burst of citrus flavor.; 2 tablespoons Sliced Almonds, Toasted: The crowning glory of this dish! Toasted sliced almonds provide a delightful crunch, nutty flavor, and visual appeal. Toasting the almonds is essential – it intensifies their flavor and enhances their crispness. You can toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until they are lightly golden and fragrant, or you can toast them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Sliced almonds are preferred for their delicate texture and even toasting, but slivered almonds or chopped almonds could also be used. Consider adding a pinch of salt to the almonds while toasting to enhance their flavor further.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon Butter: The foundation of our flavor base, butter provides a rich, savory note right from the start. It’s melted in the baking dish, creating a luscious bed for the onions and preventing the fish from sticking. Butter also contributes a beautiful golden hue and subtle nutty undertones when heated. For the best flavor, opt for unsalted butter, giving you more control over the saltiness of the dish. If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, consider using olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute, though butter will provide a richer flavor profile.

1 small Onion, Thinly Sliced: Onions are the aromatic backbone of countless savory dishes, and here they serve a dual purpose. First, they create a flavorful layer beneath the fish, infusing it with their sweet and slightly pungent essence as they bake in the melted butter. Thinly slicing the onion is crucial – it ensures they soften beautifully and cook through evenly in the oven, becoming tender and almost caramelized. You can use yellow or white onions for this recipe; yellow onions offer a more balanced flavor, while white onions have a sharper bite. For a milder flavor, you could even consider using shallots.

4 Cod or Haddock Fillets (6 ounces each): The star of the show! Cod and haddock are both excellent choices for this recipe due to their mild flavor, firm yet flaky texture, and ability to hold their shape during baking. They are also readily available and relatively affordable, making this a great option for a weeknight meal. Aim for fillets that are roughly the same size and thickness to ensure even cooking. If you can’t find cod or haddock, other white fish like tilapia, pollock, or even sea bass could work, though cooking times may need to be adjusted slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets. Fresh fish is always preferable, but frozen fillets, thawed completely, can also be used with good results. Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels before cooking to help them brown slightly and prevent them from becoming watery.

1 teaspoon Seasoned Salt: Seasoned salt is a convenient blend of salt and various spices, adding a layer of complexity beyond just saltiness. It typically includes ingredients like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and other herbs and spices. This single ingredient streamlines the seasoning process and provides a well-rounded flavor. If you don’t have seasoned salt on hand, you can create your own blend by combining salt with a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.

1/2 teaspoon Dill Weed: Dill weed brings a bright, herbaceous, and slightly citrusy note to the dish, complementing the mildness of the fish and the richness of the Parmesan and mayonnaise mixture. Dried dill weed is convenient and works well in this recipe. If you prefer fresh dill, use about 1 tablespoon of minced fresh dill weed for a more pronounced flavor. Dill is a classic pairing with fish, adding a fresh, summery element.

1/4 teaspoon Pepper: Black pepper provides a subtle warmth and a touch of spice, enhancing the overall flavor profile without overpowering the other ingredients. Freshly ground black pepper is always recommended for the best flavor. Adjust the amount to your preference – if you like a bit more heat, you can increase the pepper slightly or even add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Parmesan mixture.

1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami-rich, and nutty flavor that is essential to the creamy topping. It also contributes to the beautiful golden-brown crust that forms during baking. Use finely grated Parmesan cheese for the best results – it will melt smoothly into the mayonnaise mixture and create a cohesive topping. Pre-grated Parmesan is convenient, but freshly grated Parmesan from a block will have a more intense and nuanced flavor.

1/4 cup Reduced-Fat Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise provides the creamy base for the topping, binding the Parmesan cheese, parsley, and lemon juice together and creating a luscious texture. Reduced-fat mayonnaise is used in this recipe to lighten it up slightly without sacrificing flavor or creaminess. You can certainly use full-fat mayonnaise if you prefer a richer flavor and texture. For a tangier flavor, consider using a flavored mayonnaise like lemon aioli or garlic aioli.

1 tablespoon Minced Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness, color, and a slightly peppery, herbaceous note to the topping. It brightens up the dish and provides a lovely visual contrast. Flat-leaf parsley (Italian parsley) is generally preferred for its more robust flavor, but curly parsley can also be used. Make sure to mince the parsley finely so it distributes evenly throughout the topping.

1 tablespoon Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is a crucial ingredient for balancing the richness of the butter, mayonnaise, and Parmesan cheese. It adds a bright, acidic element that cuts through the richness and enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients, particularly the fish. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always superior in flavor to bottled lemon juice. You can also add a little lemon zest to the topping for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

2 tablespoons Sliced Almonds, Toasted: The crowning glory of this dish! Toasted sliced almonds provide a delightful crunch, nutty flavor, and visual appeal. Toasting the almonds is essential – it intensifies their flavor and enhances their crispness. You can toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until they are lightly golden and fragrant, or you can toast them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Sliced almonds are preferred for their delicate texture and even toasting, but slivered almonds or chopped almonds could also be used. Consider adding a pinch of salt to the almonds while toasting to enhance their flavor further.

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Instructions

Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when you place the fish inside, promoting even cooking and preventing the fish from drying out. While the oven is preheating, take a 13×9-inch baking dish and place the butter directly into the dish. Using a glass or ceramic baking dish is ideal for even heat distribution.

Melt the Butter in the Oven: Place the baking dish with the butter into the preheated oven. Allow the butter to melt completely, which should take just a few minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent the butter from browning too much or burning. Melting the butter directly in the baking dish minimizes dishes and ensures the entire bottom of the dish is coated, creating a non-stick surface and infusing the onions with buttery flavor right from the start.

Create the Onion Bed: Once the butter is melted, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven (using oven mitts, of course!). Spread the thinly sliced onion evenly over the melted butter in the bottom of the dish. This layer of onion will act as a flavorful base for the fish, preventing it from sitting directly on the bottom of the dish and adding moisture and sweetness as it bakes. Make sure the onion slices are distributed in a single layer for even cooking.

Arrange and Season the Fish: Arrange the cod or haddock fillets over the bed of onions in the baking dish. Space them out evenly so they cook properly. Sprinkle the fish fillets generously with seasoned salt, dill weed, and pepper. Seasoning at this stage is crucial for infusing the fish with flavor from the inside out. Be sure to season both sides of the fillets if they are particularly thick.

Prepare the Parmesan Topping: In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, reduced-fat mayonnaise, minced fresh parsley, and lemon juice. Stir everything together until well combined and you have a smooth, creamy mixture. This topping is the key to the delicious crust and adds a burst of flavor and moisture to the fish. Taste the topping and adjust the lemon juice or parsley to your preference.

Spread the Topping Over the Fish: Evenly spread the Parmesan cheese mixture over the top of each fish fillet, ensuring each fillet is completely covered. This topping will create a protective layer that keeps the fish moist during baking and develops a beautiful golden-brown crust. Don’t be shy with the topping – a generous layer is what makes this dish so delectable.

Bake to Flaky Perfection: Place the baking dish back into the preheated 400°F oven. Bake uncovered for 18-20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your fish fillets and the accuracy of your oven temperature. To check for doneness, gently insert a fork into the thickest part of a fillet and twist. If the fish flakes apart easily and is no longer translucent, it’s cooked through. Avoid overcooking the fish, as it will become dry.

Toast the Almonds (if not pre-toasted) and Sprinkle: While the fish is baking, if you haven’t already toasted your sliced almonds, you can quickly toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Alternatively, spread them on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for a few minutes, keeping a close eye on them. Once the fish is cooked and removed from the oven, immediately sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds evenly over the top of the Parmesan-crusted fish. The heat from the fish will further release the aroma of the toasted almonds.

Serve and Enjoy! Let the Almond-Topped Fish rest for a minute or two before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender and flavorful fish. Serve immediately while it’s hot and the almond topping is still crunchy. Garnish with an extra sprig of fresh parsley or a lemon wedge, if desired, for a final touch of freshness and visual appeal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: One Normal Portion
Calories: 350-400
Sodium: 400-500 mg
Fat: 20-25 grams
Saturated Fat: -10 grams
Carbohydrates: 5-7 grams
Fiber: 1-2 grams
Protein: 30-40 grams
Cholesterol: 100-120 mg