Zesty Herb Crusted Fish With Lemon Rice Recipe

Italian cuisine · 1 servings · 391 calories

Zesty Herb Crusted Fish with Lemon Rice recipe

About this recipe

Zesty Herb-Crusted Fish with Lemon Rice is a delightful Italian-inspired lunch that's as vibrant in flavor as it is simple to prepare. Featuring flaky cod fillets topped with a fresh parsley and lemon zest crust, this dish is paired with fragrant lemon-infused rice for a perfectly balanced meal that hits all the right notes. The cod is cooked to perfection in an air fryer, ensuring a crispy yet tender texture, while the rice provides a warm and zesty complement. Packed with 28g of protein, this meal is perfect for a midday boost. Whether you're craving comfort or looking to impress your lunch guests, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser. With just 35 minutes from start to finish, it's ideal for busy days when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

  • 180G Fish Said Fred Asc Sea Bass Fillets
  • 1 Lemon - 1 Each
  • 1 Kg Laila Basmati Rice
  • 1 Ltr Ktc Sunflower Oil
  • 50G Black Garlic Cloves, 50G
  • 750 G Top-Op Table Salt Drums
  • 100G Heera Black Pepper Powder 100g
  • 75G Greenfields Hot Wings Seasoning, 75G
  • - Schwartz Flat Leaf Parsley

Instructions

  1. 1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain it and set aside.
  2. 2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute.
  3. 3. Add the rice to the pan and stir to coat it with the oil and garlic, cooking for 2 minutes.
  4. 4. Add 400 ml of water, the juice of half a lemon, and 0.5 tsp of salt to the rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
  5. 5. Meanwhile, pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  6. 6. Mix chopped parsley and the zest of one lemon in a small bowl, creating the herb crust for the fish.
  7. 7. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in an air fryer-safe pan or tray, then place the cod fillets in the pan.
  8. 8. Spread the parsley-lemon zest mixture evenly over the top of the fish fillets, pressing gently to adhere.
  9. 9. Air fry the cod fillets at 180°C for 10–12 minutes, or until the fish is flaky and cooked through.
  10. 10. Once the rice is done, fluff it with a fork and transfer it to serving plates.
  11. 11. Place the herb-crusted cod fillets on top of the rice, and garnish with a wedge of lemon for extra zest.

How to make Zesty Herb Crusted Fish With Lemon Rice

  1. Toast the rice. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear and drain. Sauté minced garlic in 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat for 1 minute, then add the rice and stir for 2 minutes to coat.
  2. Simmer the lemon rice. Add 400 ml of water, the juice of half a lemon and 0.5 tsp of salt. Bring to the boil, then cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
  3. Season the cod. Meanwhile, pat the cod fillets dry and season both sides with salt, black pepper and Italian seasoning. Mix chopped parsley with the zest of one lemon to make the herb crust.
  4. Air fry the crusted cod. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in an air fryer-safe pan, add the cod and press the parsley mixture on top. Air fry at 180°C for 10–12 minutes until flaky and cooked through.
  5. Plate and serve. Fluff the rice with a fork and transfer it to serving plates, then place the herb-crusted cod on top and garnish with a wedge of lemon.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Zesty Herb Crusted Fish with Lemon Rice take to make?
About 35 minutes: 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking for the lemon rice and fish.
What fish is best for Zesty Herb Crusted Fish with Lemon Rice?
Sea bass fillets work well, and cod is a good alternative. Choose fillets of even thickness so they air fry at the same rate.
How do I make the herb crust stick to the fish?
Pat the fillets dry and season them first, then spread the parsley and lemon zest mixture over the top and press it on gently so it sticks before the fish goes into the air fryer.
How do I get fluffy lemon rice?
Rinse the rice until the water runs clear, toast it briefly in the garlic oil, then simmer with the water, lemon juice and salt without stirring. Fluff it with a fork once done.
What vegetables go with herb crusted fish?
Steamed green beans, peas or a simple tomato and cucumber salad work well alongside the lemon rice without overpowering the fish.