Oven-baked fish in a bicolor sesame crust served with black rice and lemon

Oven-baked fish with bicolor sesame crust, served with black rice and beetroot: a savory and elegant recipe that you can easily prepare at home. This recipe combines crunchy textures with the delicate flavors of fish and rice, making it perfect for a special dinner or a family meal.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 500 g white cod fillet (preferably from Alaska)
- 140 g yogurt
- 100 g breadcrumbs
- 15 g sesame seeds (white and black)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- 1 cherry tomato, for garnish
- 1 carrot
- 2 onions
- 1 celery
- 150 g black rice
- 1 lemon
- 1 beetroot
- 100 g butter
- 50 g pistachios

A Brief History

Baked fish with crust is a popular cooking method that has been used over time to preserve the juiciness and flavor of the fish while giving it a crunchy texture. The sesame crust adds an extra nutritional element as well as an attractive appearance. This dish is often associated with festive meals, being an excellent and healthy choice.

Preparing the Fish

1. Thawing the fish: If you used frozen fish fillets, make sure to let them thaw in the refrigerator, away from heat sources, to prevent bacterial growth. After thawing, pat the fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess water.

2. Marinade: In a bowl, mix the yogurt with salt and white pepper. Add the fish fillets and let them marinate for 5-7 minutes. This marinade will help the fish become juicier and absorb flavors.

3. Preparing the crust: In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the sesame seeds. This combination will create a delicious and nutritious crust.

4. Coating the fish: Remove the fillets from the marinade and dip them into the breadcrumb and sesame mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Baking the Fish

5. Preheating the oven: Set the oven to 185-200 degrees Celsius. Prepare a baking tray by greasing it with a little olive oil and lining it with baking paper.

6. Cooking the fish: Place the fish fillets in the tray and bake for 15-20 minutes. If you prefer a crunchier crust, you can leave the fish in the oven for 25 minutes. It’s important not to overcook it, as it will crumble.

7. Finishing: Once the fish is ready, remove it from the oven and place it on a paper towel to absorb excess fat. Add lemon juice over the fillets for an extra freshness.

Preparing the Side Dish

8. Boiling the vegetables for stock: Peel the carrot, onion, and celery and cut them into cubes. Boil them in a pot of water to obtain vegetable stock. This will be the base for the rice.

9. Preparing the rice: Rinse the black rice in cold water, then add it to a pan with olive oil and finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion until golden, then add the rice.

10. Adding the stock: Gradually start incorporating the vegetable stock (the ratio is 1 part rice to 3 parts stock). The rice should simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

11. Preparing the beetroot: If using pre-cooked beetroot, cut it into cubes and add it to a pan. If using raw beetroot, you will need to boil it until soft. Once ready, drain the water, add a cube of butter, salt, and pepper, then blend until you achieve a smooth puree.

12. Finishing the rice: After the rice has cooked, mix it with the beetroot puree. Add roasted and chopped pistachios for a crunchy texture.

Assembling the Dish

13. Serving: On a plate, place a portion of black rice, then the fish fillet topped with the sesame crust. Garnish with a halved cherry tomato and a fresh basil leaf for an attractive appearance.

Practical Tips

- What fish to choose: Alaska white cod is an excellent choice due to its firm texture and delicate taste. You can also experiment with other types of fish, such as salmon or sea bream.

- Choosing the rice: Black rice is not only delicious but also rich in antioxidants. If you do not have black rice, you can use brown rice or basmati.

- For a special touch: You can add spices like sweet paprika or garlic powder to the breadcrumb mixture to enhance the flavor.

- Frequently asked questions:
- *Can the dish be frozen?* Yes, you can freeze the fish fillets before marinating them, but make sure to thaw them correctly before cooking.
- *What to serve alongside?* This dish pairs perfectly with a yogurt sauce with mint or a fresh green salad.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is rich in protein due to the fish, and olive oil and sesame seeds provide healthy fats. Black rice adds fiber and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet.

This oven-baked fish with bicolor sesame crust, served with a sophisticated side of black rice and beetroot, will bring a touch of elegance to any meal. Enjoy your meal!