Imagine a dish that transports you straight to the vibrant coastal regions of Mexico with just one bite - our Baked Veracruz Style Fish is that culinary magic! This mouthwatering recipe combines fresh fish with a zesty, rich tomato sauce that will make your taste buds dance and your dinner guests beg for seconds. Whether you're a seafood lover or looking to impress your family with an authentic Mexican-inspired meal, this recipe promises a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 fish fillets (such as snapper or tilapia)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the fillets generously with salt, pepper, and cumin. Set aside while preparing the sauce.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and bell peppers, sautéing until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice. Add capers and stir to combine all ingredients. Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Transfer the sauce to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Carefully place the seasoned fish fillets on top of the sauce, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
- Serve hot, spooning the Veracruz sauce over the fish. Recommended side dishes include rice, roasted vegetables, or warm tortillas.
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm white fish like snapper or tilapia for the best texture and flavor absorption.
- Pat the fish fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect sear and prevent sogginess.
- Don't rush the sauce-making process - allowing the vegetables and spices to simmer helps develop deeper, more complex flavors.
- Use fresh cilantro for garnishing to add a bright, fresh note to the finished dish.
- Check fish doneness by ensuring it's opaque and flakes easily with a fork - overcooking can make the fish tough.
- For a spicier version, add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Serve immediately after resting to enjoy the fish at its most tender and flavorful state.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 486kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: g
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 70mg
