Stuffed Baked Fish
Tender baked fish fillets stuffed with a flavorful bread and herb mixture, topped with margarine and paprika, perfect for a light, satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Melt 2 tablespoons margarine in a skillet and sauté the chopped onion until tender.
- Add the bread crumbs, dried basil leaves, salt, and pepper to the skillet and mix well.
- Layer the stuffing mixture evenly in an 8 x 8-inch baking dish sprayed with butter-flavored cooking spray.
- Place the fish fillets on top of the stuffing.
- Melt 2 teaspoons margarine and drizzle over the fish fillets.
- Sprinkle paprika on top of the fish.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter stuffing, consider using whole wheat bread instead of reduced calorie white bread. You can also add chopped celery or bell peppers to the onion for extra flavor and crunch. If you prefer a different herb, fresh parsley or dill works well with fish. Make sure to check the fish for doneness; it should flake easily with a fork.
Serving Suggestions
This stuffed baked fish pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad. For a complete meal, serve it alongside rice or quinoa. A light lemon vinaigrette drizzled over the salad complements the fish well. For a comforting option, consider serving it with a side of Florida Clam Chowder.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed baked fish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through, ensuring the fish remains moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Baked Fish contains roughly 189 calories, with 14g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (93% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (85% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1227mg 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 different types of fish for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the fish fillets with other types like tilapia, cod, or even salmon, depending on your preference. Just ensure they are of similar thickness to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of margarine?
If you prefer, you can use olive oil or melted butter as a substitute for margarine in this recipe. Both options will add a rich flavor to the fish and stuffing.
Can I prepare the stuffing in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just allow it to come to room temperature before layering it with the fish for baking.
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).