Say Goodbye to Boredom – How Pistachio Crusted Fish Became a Weeknight Favorite
Have you ever found your self in a weekday rut, staring into your empty fridge and wondering what on the earth you may make for dinner this is both tasty and clean? Well, fear no more – pistachio crusted fish may just become your new favorite solution for busy weeknights.
What started as an experiment for this writer has transformed into a reliable recipe the whole family asks for again and again. With only a handful of basic ingredients you likely already have on hand, this sea bass or halibut substitute comes together in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
Keep reading to discover how this fresh, nutty-herbed crust evolved into a staple in our home, plus get tips to pair it with simple sides for the complete meal. By the time you finish, I guarantee pistachio crusted fish will be in your regular rotation too.
The Simple Basics
Ingredients
- 11⁄2 pounds white fish fillets like sea bass or halibut
- 1/3 cup pistachios, chopped
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, oregano, basil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Skillet or saucepan
- Tongs
- Instant-read thermometer
Prep Work
To coat the fish fillets, first mix collectively pistachios, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, herbs, garlic and lemon zest on a plate. Season the tops of the fillets generously with salt and pepper. Dip fillets into olive oil to coat, then press into the pistachio mixture, patting to adhere. Place on a baking sheet. See the included [photo] for a visual.
Step-via-Step instructions for Pistachio Crusted Fish
- Preheat oven to four 100°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare fillets by way of seasoning with salt and pepper, then dipping in olive oil and urgent into pistachio-breadcrumb combination as described above.
- Running in batches if needed for pan length, place lined fillets on prepared baking sheet. Bake until fish is opaque and flakes effortlessly with a fork, 12-15 minutes depending on thickness.
- Use an immediate-read thermometer to check temperature has reached 145°F.
- Cast off from oven and let rest 5 mins earlier than serving. revel in!
General active time is about half-hour, but tons of this is inactive baking time. Sense loose to prep the components in advance of time for a fair faster weeknight meal.
Make it a Complete Meal with Versatile Side Dishes
The fresh nut-crusted fish lends itself to many side dishes. Some favorites that complement the Italian-style flavors include:
- Steamed asparagus tossed in olive oil, salt and red pepper flakes
- Roasted fingerling potatoes with minced garlic and rosemary
- Lemon rice pilaf with tomatoes and fresh herbs
- Orzo pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, black olives and feta
- Green beans almondine
- Bibb lettuce salad with creamy herb dressing
A pitcher of dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc makes an appropriate accompaniment. For a heartier meal, serve pistachio crusted fish over risotto, farro or other whole grains.
FAQs about Pistachio Crusted Fish
Nutrition Facts for Pistachio Crusted Fish
Per serving (1 fillet):
Calories: 320 | Fat: 16g | Carbs: 9g | Protein: 33g | Fiber: 2g
This light yet satisfying weeknight meal brings together a balance of lean protein, heart-healthy fatty acids from nuts and olive oil, plus fiber and nutrients from fresh herbs and citrus. Enjoy without guilt!
Reader Recipe Ideas
We asked our readers for their favorite simple pantry recipes ideal for busy nights. Here are a few they shared:
- One-Skillet Chicken Parmesan – Anna S.
- Pressure Cooker Chili – Michaela B.
- Sheet Pan Sausage Dinner – Brad T.
- Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos – Jessica H.
Please leave a comment below with your tried-and-true recipes we should feature next!
Conclusion
In taking just 30 minutes from start to finish, this pistachio crusted fish has become the number one solution to our weekly “What’s for dinner?” dilemma. The crunchy-herbed coating tastes indulgent but stays light, making it a perfect healthy seafood option.
Don’t be afraid to adapt it to your preferences – substituting Parmesan alternatives like pecorino romano or grana padano works just as well. I hope you give it a try and that it becomes a new staple weekly recipe for your household too. Please share any other tips, questions or feedback in the comments!
