Fish With Lemon Spinach
A flavorful fish dish topped with spinach and lemon, baked to perfection, combining tender fillets with a creamy sauce—perfect for a nutritious, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook and stir onions and margarine until tender.
- Stir in flour and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until mixture is smooth and bubbly; remove from heat.
- Stir in milk and instant chicken bouillon.
- Heat to boiling, stirring constantly.
- Boil and stir for 1 minute.
- Arrange fish fillets in an oblong baking dish.
- Sprinkle with salt.
- Spoon spinach around fish; drizzle lemon juice over spinach.
- Spoon sauce evenly onto fish and spinach.
- Bake uncovered in a 350° F oven until fish flakes with fork, about 20 to 25 minutes.
- Sprinkle with cheese and paprika before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, consider substituting the margarine with olive oil. If you don't have instant chicken bouillon, use chicken broth instead, adjusting the milk quantity slightly. Fresh spinach can also be used if you prefer, but you'll need to sauté it longer to reduce moisture. Ensure the fish is properly thawed for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables can complement the meal well. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the fish rubbery. Serve with fresh lemon wedges if desired.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fish With Lemon Spinach contains roughly 540 calories, with 14g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (40% of the Daily Value), protein (28% of the Daily Value), and calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1210mg per serving (53% 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 fresh fish instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh fish fillets instead of frozen. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as fresh fish may cook more quickly. Keep an eye on the fish to ensure it flakes easily when done.
What can I substitute for spinach?
If you don't have spinach, you can substitute it with kale or Swiss chard. Both will provide a similar texture and flavor. Make sure to chop them finely and cook them down to reduce moisture before adding them to the dish.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you're ready to cook it, ensuring it heats through completely.
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).