Ocean Blue Fish Delight

Featured in: Everyday Easy Dishes

This vibrant dish highlights succulent blue fish fillets and small shrimp paired with thinly sliced fennel, red onion, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Aromatics like garlic, capers, and fresh herbs brighten the flavor profile, enhanced by lemon zest and juice. Cooking in the oven ensures the fish is perfectly tender while the vegetables remain crisp yet softened, creating a harmonious balance. Ideal served with quinoa or wild rice for a wholesome meal that captures the essence of the sea.

Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 08:39:00 GMT
Plongeons dans lOcéan Poisson Bleu: baked blue fish fillets with vibrant vegetables, ready to serve and enjoy. Pin It
Plongeons dans lOcéan Poisson Bleu: baked blue fish fillets with vibrant vegetables, ready to serve and enjoy. | fordish.com

A vibrant seafood dish featuring tender blue fish fillets, fresh vegetables, and a hint of citrus, evoking the freshness of the ocean.

This recipe reminds me of long summer dinners by the sea with family, enjoying fresh flavors and good company.

Ingredients

  • Fish & Seafood: 4 blue fish fillets (e.g., mackerel sardine or bluefish) about 150 g each 200 g small shrimp peeled and deveined
  • Vegetables: 1 fennel bulb thinly sliced 1 red onion finely chopped 1 small zucchini diced 200 g cherry tomatoes halved
  • Aromatics & Seasonings: 2 cloves garlic minced Zest and juice of 1 lemon 1 tbsp capers drained 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped 1 tsp sea salt ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper ½ tsp smoked paprika 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Accompaniment: 200 g cooked quinoa or wild rice (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
Step 2:
Rinse and pat dry the blue fish fillets. Season both sides with salt pepper and smoked paprika.
Step 3:
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the red onion and fennel sauté for 34 minutes until softened.
Step 4:
Add garlic and zucchini cook for another 2 minutes. Stir in cherry tomatoes capers half the lemon zest and half the parsley.
Step 5:
Lay the blue fish fillets and shrimp over the vegetables. Drizzle with remaining olive oil and lemon juice.
Step 6:
Sprinkle with dill and remaining lemon zest. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 1518 minutes until the fish is cooked through and the shrimp are pink.
Step 7:
Remove from oven garnish with the rest of the parsley. Serve hot optionally over quinoa or wild rice.
A close-up of Plongeons dans lOcéan Poisson Bleu beautifully showcases pan-seared flaky blue fish. Pin It
A close-up of Plongeons dans lOcéan Poisson Bleu beautifully showcases pan-seared flaky blue fish. | fordish.com

My family loves gathering around this dish on weekends, sharing stories and laughter over delightful seafood.

Notes

For a spicier touch add a pinch of chili flakes before baking Substitute blue fish with salmon or trout if desired Serve with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé

Required Tools

Ovenproof skillet or baking dish Chefs knife Cutting board Measuring spoons

Allergen Information

Contains fish and shellfish (shrimp) Double-check for allergens in capers and other processed ingredients

Steam rising from the Plongeons dans lOcéan Poisson Bleu dish, a pescatarian delight with fresh flavors. Pin It
Steam rising from the Plongeons dans lOcéan Poisson Bleu dish, a pescatarian delight with fresh flavors. | fordish.com

Enjoy this fresh and flavorful dish that brings the ocean to your table with every bite.

Recipe FAQs

What type of fish works best for this dish?

Blue fish varieties such as mackerel, sardine, or bluefish provide optimal flavor and texture, but salmon or trout can be used as alternatives.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, adding a pinch of chili flakes before baking will introduce a spicy kick without overpowering the fresh ingredients.

What vegetables complement the fish in this preparation?

Fennel, red onion, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes add sweetness and crunch, enhancing the fish’s delicate taste.

Is it better to bake or pan-sear the fish?

Baking in an ovenproof skillet preserves moisture and allows flavors to meld, ensuring the fish remains tender and juicy.

What are good side options to serve alongside?

Light grains like quinoa or wild rice serve as excellent accompaniments, absorbing the citrusy sauce and balancing the dish.

Ocean Blue Fish Delight

Tender blue fish and shrimp baked with fresh vegetables and citrus zest, capturing ocean-inspired flavors.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time to Cook
25 minutes
Overall Time
45 minutes
Recipe by Fordish Mia Harper


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine French

Result 4 Portion Size

Dietary Details No Dairy, Gluten-Free

Ingredient List

Fish & Seafood

01 4 blue fish fillets (e.g., mackerel, sardine, or bluefish), about 5.3 oz each
02 7 oz small shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables

01 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
02 1 red onion, finely chopped
03 1 small zucchini, diced
04 7 oz cherry tomatoes, halved

Aromatics & Seasonings

01 2 cloves garlic, minced
02 Zest and juice of 1 lemon
03 1 tbsp capers, drained
04 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
05 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
06 1 tsp sea salt
07 ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
08 ½ tsp smoked paprika
09 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Accompaniment

01 7 oz cooked quinoa or wild rice (optional)

Directions

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Step 02

Prepare and Season Fish: Rinse and pat dry the blue fish fillets. Season both sides evenly with sea salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

Step 03

Sauté Vegetables: In a large ovenproof skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the red onion and thinly sliced fennel; sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften.

Step 04

Add Aromatics and Vegetables: Incorporate minced garlic and diced zucchini into the skillet; cook for an additional 2 minutes. Stir in halved cherry tomatoes, drained capers, half the lemon zest, and half the chopped parsley.

Step 05

Arrange Seafood and Finish Seasoning: Place the seasoned blue fish fillets and peeled shrimp atop the vegetable mixture. Drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the fresh lemon juice.

Step 06

Garnish and Bake: Sprinkle with chopped dill and the remaining lemon zest. Transfer the skillet into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the fish is opaque and the shrimp turn pink.

Step 07

Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with the remaining parsley, and serve hot. Optionally, serve over cooked quinoa or wild rice.

Tools Needed

  • Ovenproof skillet or baking dish
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons

Allergy Details

Review each ingredient for allergens. Ask your doctor if you’re unsure.
  • Contains fish and shellfish (shrimp). Verify capers and other ingredients for additional allergens.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Values provided for reference. Consult your medical provider with questions.
  • Energy Value: 340
  • Lipids: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Proteins: 36 g