Delicious Almond Baked Fish Recipe | Healthy Eating
Are you tired of the same old baked fish recipe? Look no further! I have a recipe for Crispy Almond Baked Fish that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests. This recipe has everything you could ever want in a baked fish – it’s crispy, flavorful, and healthy. The combination of almond crust and the seasoning used will make each bite a new experience for you. Unlike deep-fried or pan-fried fish, this dish is an oven-baked treasure that would save you effort while keeping its deliciousness high.
But why settle for plain baked fish when you can have almond-crusted? The almonds provide a unique flavor and texture to the dish which makes it stand out. You’ll be thrilled to know that the great combination of ingredients includes almond meal (flour), sliced almonds, and toasted almonds too!
The next time you’re planning a big dinner party or just wanting to change up your family’s dinner routine, I promise this Crispy Almond Baked Fish recipe won’t fail to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a seafood lover and want to add a crispy and delicious twist to your classic baked fish recipe, then this crispy almond baked fish recipe is perfect for you. This recipe is sure to impress your family, friends or guests with its mouth-watering flavors and perfect texture. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
Firstly, the combination of almonds and breadcrumbs provides a crispy almond crust that not only locks in the moisture of the fish but also creates a contrast with each bite, making this dish an absolute treat for your taste buds.
Secondly, this recipe uses a clever blend of spices such as dried basil, dried oregano, lemon zest, and hot sauce that uplifts the dish by adding some extra tanginess and flavor to it. Moreover, the small touch of orange zest makes the dish vibrant and refreshing.
Thirdly, this recipe is super easy to make as it requires basic kitchen ingredients and equipment that you can easily find in your pantry or kitchen. You don’t need to be a culinary pro to make this scrumptious baked fish.
Finally, this recipe is adaptable and flexible when it comes to serving and pairing options. Whether you’re looking for a light meal or a fancy dinner party entree, this crispy almond baked fish is suitable for any occasion. You can pair it with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, salad or even pasta.
Overall, if you’re looking for an elegant yet fuss-free dinner option that will satisfy your cravings for seafood while being low-carb and keto-friendly, then this crispy almond baked fish is just the recipe for you.
Ingredient List
To make the Crispy Almond Baked Fish Recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb fish fillets (tilapia, cod, ling cod, or any white fish)
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/3 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped almonds
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper (or to taste)
- zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange
- optional: hot sauce
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- cooking spray
Note that you can change the type of fish according to your preference or what is available in the market. Also, if you are following a keto or low carb diet, you can substitute the panko bread crumbs with crushed pork rinds.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent the fish from sticking.
Step 2: Soak the Fish
Pat dry the fish fillets with paper towels and season them with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, lemon zest, orange zest, 1/2 teaspoon of basil, and 1/2 teaspoon of oregano. Rub this mixture over the fish fillets on both sides until evenly coated.
Step 3: Make the Almond Crust
In a food processor pulse almonds until coarsely chopped. In a large plate mix together coarsely chopped almonds, panko bread crumbs, 1/4 cup almond flour, and 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Coat the Fish Fillets
Place each fish fillet into the almond crumb mixture one at a time and coat each side well, pressing down gently so that the coating adheres well to the fish.
Step 5: Bake the Fish Fillets
Place the almond-coated fish fillets on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle them with melted butter. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden-brown, crispy and cooked through.
Serve crispy almond-crusted baked fish immediately with a wedge of lemon or lime juice squeezed over the top or topped with some hot sauce if you’d like an extra kick of flavor.
Note: This same recipe technique works great with other white fish such as tilapia, ling cod or halibut.
Enjoy your crispy almond crusted baked fish that are perfect for any dinner party or family meal.
Substitutions and Variations
Love to mix things up in the kitchen? Here are some options to put your own unique twist on this crispy almond baked fish recipe!
– Change up the nuts: While sliced almonds may be the classic choice, consider experimenting with other nuts like pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts.
– Try a different fish: This recipe works well with white fish like tilapia, halibut, lingcod or even whole fish. However, feel free to switch it up with something like salmon or trout for a heartier texture.
– Go low carb or gluten-free: Replace the bread crumbs with almond flour and leave out the all-purpose flour to make this dish keto-friendly. Or use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-safe option.
– Serve it differently: Instead of making one large fillet, try serving smaller portions as fish fingers. Perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce! And, wouldn’t it be fun to create “fish stick” appetizers?
– Add some spice: Want a little extra kick of heat? Add 1/4 teaspoon of hot sauce to your melted butter!
No matter what substitutions or variations you decide to try, remember the key parts for that crispy almond-crusted greatness include properly soaking and coating the fish and baking them on a lined baking sheetat. With that, enjoy all those delicious bites of crispy golden crust paired with perfectly cooked flaky white fish on your table!
Serving and Pairing
Serving up this crispy almond baked fish is the perfect way to impress your dinner guests or family. The crunchy texture of the almonds pairs perfectly with the tender, juicy fish fillets.
When it comes to sides, consider serving the fish with a refreshing salad of mixed greens, sliced strawberries, and a balsamic vinaigrette. Alternatively, you could serve it with roasted vegetables like zucchini and carrots, or a side of garlic mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.
As for wine pairings, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay would complement the fish’s nutty flavor profile nicely. If you prefer something sparkling, a Prosecco or Champagne would also be a great option. Finally, if you’re in the mood for beer, an IPA or lager would be a nice choice to cut through the richness of the almonds and butter.
No matter how you choose to serve this dish, your guests will be sure to appreciate the delicious flavors and crispy texture that this almond crusted baked fish has to offer.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
The crispy almond baked fish recipe is a mouthwatering dish that can be made well ahead of time, which makes it perfect for hosting or preparing in advance. If you want to make this almond crusted fish fillet ahead of time, I recommend preparing the crusted tilapia or cod as directed in the recipe and refrigerating the fish fillets separately, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 6 hours. These topped ‘ready to bake’ fish filets can be conveniently kept in the fridge so that you can quickly bake them when your guests arrive.
To reheat them later, simply preheat your oven to 400°F, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and bake the refrigerated almond crusted fish fillets for 10-12 minutes until hot and crispy. This way you can serve freshly heated and perfectly cooked baked fish without any additional hassle.
If you have leftovers or want to save some almond crusted baked fish for later consumption, transfer it to an airtight container or zip-top bag and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat your leftover almond crusted tilapia or cod, simply preheat your oven to 350°F, place the cold fish fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 8-10 minutes until hot and crispy. With this dish on hand, you’ll always have a quick meal ready to go.
Finally, if you want to take your leftover almond crusted fish fillet game up a notch, consider transforming them into delicious fish tacos or salads. You can also put them in a sandwich or wrap them with lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. The versatility of the almond-crusted baked fish is endless – let your creativity run wild!
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve a perfectly crispy almond-crusted baked fish, it takes more than just following the recipe steps. Here are some foolproof tips and tricks that will elevate your dish and ensure your fish is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Firstly, it’s essential to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for at least 15 minutes before baking. This ensures that the fish gets cooked properly and crisps up nicely.
Secondly, when making the almond crust, make sure to pulse the almonds and panko bread crumbs in a food processor until they are finely chopped. This will create a smooth and even coating that will stick well to the fish fillets.
Next, it’s important to soak your fish fillets in milk or hot sauce before coating them in the almond mixture. This helps the coating stick better and also tenderizes the fish, resulting in a juicy, flavorful dish.
When preparing your almond-crusted fish, make sure to use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will help prevent sticking and make cleaning up easier.
If you’re looking for a low-carb option, you can substitute almond flour for regular flour in this recipe. Almond flour has fewer carbohydrates than regular flour and creates a crispy texture similar to breadcrumbs when used as a coating.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of fish for this recipe. White fish such as tilapia or cod work well with this recipe, but you can also try using ling cod or halibut for a heartier dish.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be sure to have perfectly crispy almond-crusted baked fish every time!
FAQ
As you prepare to try the Crispy Almond Baked Fish recipe, make sure to go through these frequently asked questions (FAQs) and their answers about the recipe. These will help you clarify any doubts and ensure that your experience with the recipe is a delightful one. Let’s dive in!
Should you Coat fish in flour before baking and breading?
Coating fish in flour is a great technique to maintain its natural taste and texture, especially when dealing with sturdy fillets. Begin by seasoning the fillets with salt and pepper, followed by a dip in flour. Heat a mixture of oil and butter in a pan, and then fry the fish for a few minutes on each side. This will give the fish a crisp outer layer while keeping its original flavor intact.
Is it better to bake fish covered or uncovered?
When it comes to baking fish, the general consensus is that coated fish should be left uncovered on the tray, whereas fillets and whole fish will benefit from being covered for optimal moistness and tenderness. In any case, fish is an ideal choice for baking.
What do you Soak fish in before breading?
Alright folks, let’s get started with this delicious fish recipe! First up, grab an egg and beat it. Then, add in some milk and a sprinkle of 1/2 teaspoon all-purpose Greek seasoning – trust me, this stuff is key. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some hot sauce too. Give it a good mix until it’s all combined. Now, take your fish and let it soak in this yummy milk mixture for 5-10 minutes.
While your fish is soaking up all that goodness, let’s start with the dry ingredients. Get out a bowl and mix together the remaining dry ingredients. We want to make sure everything is well combined so our fish comes out perfectly seasoned.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Crispy Almond Baked Fish recipe is an incredible dish that will captivate every seafood lover’s taste buds. The recipe is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to accommodate different variations and substitutions. Whether you are serving it as a main course or appetizer, this dish will leave your guests asking for seconds, and possibly thirds!
By following the instructions in this recipe, you’ll have perfectly golden-brown, crispy almond-crusted fish fillets that are deeply flavorful yet light and refreshing. With the aroma of lemon zest, garlic, and orange zest baked into each bite, your guests will savor every mouthful.
Additionally, this recipe can be tailored to make low-carb and keto-friendly versions by substituting flour with almond flour or breadcrumbs with almond meal. These alternatives do not compromise on the texture or flavor, making it an ideal dish for health-conscious foodies as well.
In conclusion, when planning your next party or dinner event, consider impressing your guests with this delectable Crispy Almond Baked Fish recipe. It’s a sure-fire way to elevate any culinary occasion!
Crispy Almond Baked Fish Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (either panko or fresh crumbs)
- 1/3 cup blanched slivered almond
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest or 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 lb fish fillet
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- In a food processor, combine bread crumbs, almonds, garlic, herbs and zest. Pulse until almonds are finely chopped.
- Combine melted butter and olive oil in a small bowl.
- Wrap fish in paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Arrange fish fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush tops with melted butter and olive oil mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle crumb mixture over fish and pat lightly. Drizzle remaining butter/oil over fish fillets.
- Bake in preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until flakes flakes with a fork.
- Serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!