There are few dishes that hit that magical sweet spot between elegance and everyday comfort quite like Baked Fish Rice. Succulent white fish gently bakes over a fragrant bed of golden, spice-kissed rice, soaking up all the aromatics in the pan. Every forkful brings together tender flakey fish, savory grains, and pops of color from sweet red pepper and fresh herbs. Whether you’re serving to impress guests or craving a nourishing weeknight meal, Baked Fish Rice promises rich flavors and effortlessly impressive results — with practically no cleanup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how just a handful of humble ingredients can create something this uniquely satisfying! Each item in this list adds not just flavor, but a layer of texture or a hint of color that makes Baked Fish Rice shine bright on any table.
- Long-grain rice: The base of the dish, its fluffy grains absorb all the delicious flavor from the broth and spices.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Adds savory depth and ensures the rice comes out perfectly tender every time.
- Olive oil: Gives a rich, Mediterranean backbone and helps soften the vegetables for extra sweetness.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion builds a wonderful aromatic foundation for the whole recipe.
- Garlic: A couple of cloves add a pungent kick that lingers softly through the rice and fish.
- Red bell pepper: Offers sweetness and a bold splash of color that makes every serving pop.
- Paprika: Gives warmth and a beautiful blush that’s as pleasing to the nose as it is to the eyes.
- Turmeric: This golden-hued spice creates earthy depth and the signature color of the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple but essential – perfectly balances every flavor in the pan.
- White fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or haddock): The star of the show, their mild flavor pairs perfectly with the spiced rice.
- Lemon juice: Adds bright acidity that wakes up all the other flavors.
- Dried oregano: Brings a classic Mediterranean herb note for irresistible aroma.
- Chili flakes (optional): For those who like a gentle heat, these are your secret weapon!
- Fresh parsley: A final touch of freshness and color that ties everything together.
- Lemon wedges: Served on the side, they let everyone adjust the citrus kick to their liking.
How to Make Baked Fish Rice
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Take a few minutes to give everything a good wash and chop. Rinse your long-grain rice until the water runs clear — this helps remove excess starch and ensures fluffy, separated grains. Dice the onion and red bell pepper, mince your garlic, and measure out the spices. Set your oven to 375°F so it’s hot and ready by the time you’re done with the stovetop work.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large ovenproof skillet or baking dish, heat the olive oil gently over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies have softened and the kitchen is filled with a mouthwatering scent. The aim is to sweat out their flavors, not brown them, so keep the heat gentle.
Step 3: Season the Rice
Sprinkle in the paprika, turmeric, salt, and black pepper right on top of your tender veggies. Stir well, then add the rinsed rice, making sure every grain gets kissed by those spices. Let the rice toast in the pan for about 1 minute, stirring non-stop — you’ll see the color become more vibrant and the aroma deepen.
Step 4: Add Broth and Fish
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the pan. As soon as it comes to a gentle simmer, pause and admire how quickly everything is coming together! Now, lay your fish fillets right atop the rice, tucking them in snugly. Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the fish, then sprinkle with dried oregano and chili flakes if you want a little extra kick.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover your skillet or dish tightly with foil (this traps steam for perfectly cooked rice and juicy fish!) and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for about 30 minutes. The rice will become fluffy and tender, and the fish should easily flake apart with a fork when you check it. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before you uncover — this gives everything time to settle and makes serving a breeze.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Scatter chopped fresh parsley over the top for a final burst of color and fresh flavor. Bring some lemon wedges to the table, and let everyone squeeze their own as they dig in. The beauty of Baked Fish Rice is that it looks as good as it tastes, right out of the oven.
How to Serve Baked Fish Rice
Garnishes
A sprinkling of vibrant parsley right before serving brings a pop of color and lively freshness to every portion. Lemon wedges are a must: let everyone enjoy their own zing of citrus! For a little extra flair, a dusting of smoky paprika or a drizzle of quality olive oil can make each plate feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Baked Fish Rice is hearty enough to fly solo, but it absolutely loves good company. Try serving with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, some roasted or steamed green beans, or even a side of garlic yogurt sauce for dipping. Warm crusty bread is always welcome for mopping up the spiced rice.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re making Baked Fish Rice for guests, try baking and serving it direct in a cast iron skillet or rustic baking dish — it looks stunning straight from the oven. For dinner parties, scoop portions into individual bowls and top each with a lemon wedge and a sprig of parsley. Leftovers can even be molded into cakes and pan-crisped for a whole new twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let your Baked Fish Rice cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge, where it will stay fresh and tasty for up to 2 days. Just remember, the rice will continue to absorb moisture, so you may want to fluff it before reheating.
Freezing
Freezing Baked Fish Rice is a great way to save extra portions for a rainy day. Portion into individual containers and seal tightly. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results — this helps the texture stay light instead of mushy.
Reheating
To reheat, transfer your Baked Fish Rice to a shallow ovenproof dish, sprinkle with a little water or broth, and cover with foil. Warm gently in a 325°F oven until heated through, about 15 to 20 minutes. A quick zap in the microwave works too, just keep it covered to maintain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While cod, tilapia, and haddock are classic picks, salmon or any firm white fish can be used in Baked Fish Rice. Just keep an eye on thicker fillets, as they may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some kick to your Baked Fish Rice, try doubling the chili flakes or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix. A chopped fresh chili stirred into the sautéed veggies works wonders too!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! When made with gluten-free broth, Baked Fish Rice is naturally free of gluten and ideal for those avoiding wheat. Always double check labels just to be safe.
Can I make it ahead of time?
You can prep Baked Fish Rice ahead by assembling all the ingredients in the baking dish, then refrigerating (covered) for up to 6 hours. Bake it just before serving for maximum freshness and flavor.
What vegetables can I add?
Feel free to get creative! Stir in peas, corn, chopped carrots, or even a handful of spinach just before baking to add extra nutrition and visual appeal to your Baked Fish Rice.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re new to baking fish with rice or it’s already a go-to meal in your kitchen, I know you’ll fall in love with the simplicity and warmth of Baked Fish Rice. Every bite feels like something both wholesome and special, and it truly is a joy to share. Give it a try — your table (and your taste buds) will thank you!
Print
Baked Fish Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and easy one-pan meal, this Baked Fish Rice combines tender white fish fillets with fragrant rice and Mediterranean spices for a delicious dinner option.
Ingredients
Rice:
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice, rinsed
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Fish:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 pounds white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or haddock)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Sauté vegetables: In a large ovenproof skillet or baking dish, sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened.
- Add spices and rice: Stir in paprika, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Add and toast the rinsed rice.
- Simmer with broth: Pour in broth, bring to a simmer, then place fish fillets on top.
- Bake: Drizzle with lemon juice, sprinkle with oregano and chili flakes, cover tightly with foil, and bake for 30 minutes.
- Rest and serve: Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add peas, corn, or chopped carrots to the rice mixture before baking.
- You can substitute salmon or another firm fish, but adjust the baking time slightly if using thicker fillets.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
