Ocean Blue Fish Vegetables

Featured in: Savory Toasts

This dish highlights tender blue fish fillets harmonized with sautéed fennel, red onion, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Enhanced by garlic, fresh herbs like parsley and dill, and a citrusy touch from lemon zest and juice, it encapsulates the essence of fresh ocean flavors. A light drizzle of olive oil and seasoning with smoked paprika and sea salt add depth. Baking gently melds the ingredients, offering a balanced, flavorful meal ideal for pescatarian menus.

Serve hot with an optional side of quinoa or wild rice to complete the plate. This preparation suits a medium skill level and takes roughly 45 minutes from start to finish. For a spicy note, chili flakes can be added before baking. The dish pairs well with chilled dry rosé or Sauvignon Blanc.

Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 14:32:00 GMT
Plongeons dans l'Océan Poisson Bleu: a baked dish featuring flaky, cooked blue fish and tender vegetables. Save
Plongeons dans l'Océan Poisson Bleu: a baked dish featuring flaky, cooked blue fish and tender vegetables. | butterhearth.com

Plongeons dans lOcéan Poisson Bleu 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 summer dinners where the ocean feels close with every bite, making every meal special.

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 3–4 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 15–18 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.
This Plongeons dans l'Océan Poisson Bleu shows a vibrant platter with blue fish and shrimp, bursting with flavor. Save
This Plongeons dans l'Océan Poisson Bleu shows a vibrant platter with blue fish and shrimp, bursting with flavor. | butterhearth.com

This dish always brings my family around the table, filled with warm smiles and stories of the sea.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a light green salad or crusty bread to balance the rich seafood flavors.

Variations

Swap blue fish with salmon or trout for a milder flavor. Add a pinch of chili flakes for more heat.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to preserve texture.

Close-up of Plongeons dans l'Océan Poisson Bleu, showcasing a beautifully plated seafood and vegetable meal. Save
Close-up of Plongeons dans l'Océan Poisson Bleu, showcasing a beautifully plated seafood and vegetable meal. | butterhearth.com

Enjoy the freshness of the ocean in every bite and cherish the moments shared around this vibrant dish.

Recipe Questions

What types of fish work best in this dish?

Blue fish varieties like mackerel, sardine, or bluefish are ideal, offering rich flavor and tender texture.

Can I substitute the shrimp with other seafood?

Yes, alternatives like scallops or crab meat can be used depending on availability and taste preferences.

How do the citrus elements enhance the flavor?

Lemon zest and juice add brightness and a subtle tang that balances the richness of the fish and seafood.

What is the purpose of smoked paprika in this preparation?

Smoked paprika provides a mild smokiness and depth, complementing the seafood and vegetables without overpowering them.

Is it necessary to use an ovenproof skillet for cooking?

Yes, an ovenproof skillet allows for both sautéing and baking in one dish, ensuring even cooking and flavor melding.

What are some suitable side options to serve with this dish?

Cooked quinoa or wild rice are great complements, absorbing the flavors and adding texture to the meal.

Ocean Blue Fish Vegetables

Tender blue fish fillets baked with fresh vegetables, citrus, and aromatic herbs for flavorful meals.

Prep duration
20 min
Time to cook
25 min
Complete duration
45 min
Created by Grace Mitchell


Skill Level Medium

Heritage French

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations No Dairy, No Gluten

Components

Fish & Seafood

01 4 blue fish fillets (5.3 oz each, e.g. mackerel, sardine, or bluefish)
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

Stage 01

Preheat oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat.

Stage 02

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

Stage 03

Sauté aromatics and vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add chopped red onion and thinly sliced fennel, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.

Stage 04

Add garlic and zucchini: Stir in minced garlic and diced zucchini, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.

Stage 05

Combine remaining vegetables and seasonings: Add halved cherry tomatoes, capers, half the lemon zest, and half the chopped parsley to the skillet. Stir to combine.

Stage 06

Arrange seafood and season: Place the seasoned blue fish fillets and shrimp over the vegetable mixture. Drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and fresh lemon juice.

Stage 07

Add herbs and bake: Sprinkle fresh dill and the remaining lemon zest over the seafood. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the fish is cooked through and shrimp are pink.

Stage 08

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

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consider consulting with a healthcare provider if you're unsure about certain ingredients.
  • Contains fish and shellfish (shrimp). Verify allergens in capers and other ingredients.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy Value: 340
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Protein Content: 36 g