Fish Whirls
Fish Whirls features tender fillet rolls stuffed with shrimp, baked to perfection, and served with a creamy lemon sauce, offering a delightful seafood experience for special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make fillets into rolls; season and add a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Put the fish rolls onto a deep pan with 1 ounce of butter and a little milk. Bake for about 20 minutes, until just tender.
- Fill the rolls with shrimp halfway through the cooking time.
- Remove the fish rolls to a hot serving dish and keep warm.
- Heat the remaining butter in a pan.
- Stir in the flour and cook for a few minutes to make a roux.
- Strain the liquid from the cooked fish and add it to the roux along with the remaining milk.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until thickened.
- Season well and stir in the thick cream.
- Pour the sauce around the fish rolls.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of sole and whiting fillets. If baby shrimp are unavailable, small cooked shrimp or even crab meat can be substituted. Ensure the rolls are tightly secured to prevent them from unraveling during baking. For a hint of spice, add a pinch of cayenne or paprika to the roux. This dish pairs beautifully with crab-cheese fondue as a starter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fish whirls with a side of steamed asparagus or a fresh green salad for a light meal. A scoop of mashed potatoes or rice can complement the creamy sauce beautifully. For an elegant touch, garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness. This dish also pairs well with seafood recipes featuring shrimp for a cohesive dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers should be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the fish rolls in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the fish rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fish Whirls contains roughly 447 calories, with 11g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (25% of the Daily Value) and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1504mg per serving (65% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen fish fillets for this recipe?
Yes, frozen fish fillets can be used. Just ensure they are completely thawed and well-drained before rolling. This will help maintain the texture and flavor of the dish. Pat the fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which can prevent the rolls from baking properly.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually whisk in additional milk until you reach your desired consistency. Ensure it's heated gently to avoid curdling. You can also add a splash of fish stock if you have it on hand, which will enhance the flavor while thinning the sauce.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
To make this dish ahead of time, prepare the fish rolls and sauce separately. Assemble the rolls and store them in the fridge. Make the sauce just before serving to keep it fresh. You can also bake the rolls in advance and warm them gently when ready to serve, ensuring they don’t dry out.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).