Garlic Butter White Fish with Roasted Asparagus & Cherry Tomatoes
This Garlic Butter White Fish is paired with roasted asparagus and cherry tomatoes, making for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal. The garlic butter glaze on the fish enhances its flavor, while the roasted vegetables add the perfect balance of freshness and richness. With just a few ingredients, you can create a gourmet-style dish that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients:
- 2 white fish fillets (cod, halibut, or sea bass)
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh basil & parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Vegetables
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the asparagus and cherry tomatoes with 1 tbsp of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- Arrange the asparagus and tomatoes on a baking sheet, spreading them out evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Fish
- Place the fish fillets on the same baking sheet or a separate one, depending on the size of your sheet.
- In a small bowl, melt the butter and mix in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning.
- Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the fish fillets, ensuring they’re well-coated.
Step 3: Bake
- Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is flaky and the vegetables are tender. The fish should easily flake with a fork, and the vegetables should have a slightly caramelized appearance.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
- Once baked, garnish the fish and vegetables with fresh basil and parsley.
- Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.
- Enjoy your Garlic Butter White Fish with Roasted Asparagus & Cherry Tomatoes!
Tips:
- Fish options: While cod, halibut, and sea bass work great for this recipe, you can substitute with other white fish such as tilapia, flounder, or sole.
- Vegetable options: Feel free to add or swap in other veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or even a few baby potatoes for variety.
- Butter flavor: For added richness, you can use garlic-infused olive oil or herb butter in place of regular butter.
- Check for doneness: Fish is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily with a fork.
- Q&A:
Q: Can I use frozen fish fillets for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen fish fillets, but make sure to thaw them first. If you’re using frozen fish, just be mindful that they may take a little longer to cook than fresh fillets.
Q: What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
A: No problem! You can make your own seasoning blend using dried basil, oregano, and thyme. Alternatively, garlic powder and paprika would also complement the garlic butter nicely.
Q: Can I use other vegetables instead of asparagus and cherry tomatoes?
A: Absolutely! You can replace asparagus with vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. Similarly, swap out the cherry tomatoes with sliced bell peppers or sliced red onions.
Q: Is there a dairy-free alternative for the butter?
A: Yes, you can replace the butter with dairy-free butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free version. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!
Q: Can I cook this on a grill instead of in the oven?
A: Yes! You can grill the fish and vegetables for a smoky flavor. Just make sure to oil the grill and watch the cooking time carefully, as grilling tends to cook food faster than baking.
Q: How do I know when the fish is done?
A: Fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If in doubt, you can always cut into the thickest part of the fillet to check for doneness.
Conclusion:
This Garlic Butter White Fish with Roasted Asparagus & Cherry Tomatoes is not only packed with flavor, but it’s also a light and nutritious meal. With its simple preparation and healthy ingredients, it’s a perfect choice for any weeknight dinner or even a special occasion. Enjoy!