Pan-Seared Fish Bowl (Printable Version)

Flaky fish with roasted veggies over rice, topped with zesty lemon sauce.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fish

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

# How To Make It:

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 on a baking sheet and roast for 18 to 20 minutes until tender and slightly 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. 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 until shimmering. Add fish and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
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, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
06 - Divide cooked rice among 4 bowls. Top each serving with roasted vegetables and a fish fillet. Drizzle lemon sauce over each bowl and garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Nutritious and Balanced: A complete meal providing 32g of protein and only 410 calories per serving.
  • Simple Preparation: Requires basic kitchen tools and is ready in just 45 minutes.
  • Bright Flavors: The combination of roasted zucchini, peppers, and tomatoes with a fresh lemon-parsley sauce is incredibly refreshing.
02 -
  • Rinse the Rice: Always rinse rice under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch for fluffier results.
  • Optimal Searing: Don't move the fish too early once it hits the skillet; let it develop a golden crust for at least 3 minutes before flipping.
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