Chinese noodles with fish

Delicious Baked Fish with Noodles: A Quick and Tasty Culinary Experience

When it comes to quick and healthy meals, few recipes can rival this combination of fresh fish and flavored noodles! This baked fish recipe, accompanied by Chinese noodles and vegetables, is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Over time, the dish has evolved, incorporating various ingredients, but the essence remains the same: the fresh and healthy taste of fish, combined with the crunch of vegetables and the fine texture of the noodles.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients

For the fish:
- 2 salmon trout fillets (or any preferred fish)
- 1/2 lemon
- 4 fresh basil leaves
- 4 fresh mint leaves
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste

For the noodles:
- 150 g Chinese noodles (or any type of noodles you prefer)
- 1 carrot
- 1 celery stalk
- 1 small red onion or half of a large one
- 2 tablespoons canned bean sprouts
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 chili pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Soy sauce, to taste
- Fish sauce, to taste
- 2 tablespoons pistachio oil (for an intense flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Fish
1. Start by cleaning and rinsing the salmon trout fillets. Ensure that the fish is fresh, as this is key to a tasty dish.
2. Season the fish with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. In a bowl, prepare the marinade by mixing soy sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil, juice from 1/2 lemon, and chopped basil and mint.
4. Pour the marinade over the fish, cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least one hour (if you have time, let it marinate longer to enhance the flavors).

Step 2: Baking the Fish
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Place the fish fillets in a baking dish, adding a little of the remaining marinade on top.
3. Bake the fish for about 10 minutes, or until it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 3: Preparing the Noodles and Vegetables
1. In a pot, add salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions.
2. Meanwhile, prepare the vegetables: julienne the carrot and celery, and slice the red onion thinly.
3. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of pistachio oil. Add the sliced vegetables, along with a crushed garlic clove and the whole chili pepper, for added flavor. Sauté the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they become slightly crispy.
4. Once the noodles are ready, drain them and add them to the skillet, along with the bean sprouts, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Stir everything together for another minute to combine the flavors.

Step 4: Assembling and Serving
1. Turn off the heat and drizzle everything with a little pistachio oil to enhance the flavor.
2. Serve the fish alongside the noodles and vegetables, garnished with a few basil and mint leaves for a fresh and appetizing look.

Serving Suggestions
This dish can be paired with a glass of white or red wine, depending on your preference. A refreshing iced green tea would also complement the flavors of this meal beautifully.

Practical Tips
- Fresh fish: Choose high-quality fresh fish, as its flavor will impact the entire recipe. If you can't find trout, other types of white fish can be just as delicious.
- Vegetables: Be creative! You can add various vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers, depending on the season and your preferences.
- Noodles: If you don't have Chinese noodles, you can use Italian pasta or any other type of noodles you have on hand.
- Spicy version: If you enjoy spicy food, feel free to add more chili peppers or even chili sauce.

Nutritional Benefits
This recipe is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients! Fish is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health. The vegetables add vitamins and minerals, while the noodles provide carbohydrates for energy.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen fish? Yes, you can use frozen fish, but make sure to fully thaw it before cooking.
- What other sauces can I use? Instead of soy sauce and fish sauce, you can also experiment with other Asian sauces, such as teriyaki sauce.
- How long can I keep leftovers? If you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 1-2 days.

This baked fish with noodles recipe is perfect for a quick dinner but also great for impressing friends on a special occasion. So, don’t hesitate to try it and customize it according to your culinary preferences! Bon appétit!