5 Ingredient Citrus Fish

If you're looking to elevate your seafood dishes with a burst of fresh, tangy flavor, look no further than this citrus fish. This vibrant, zesty dish combines the delicate taste of fish with the bright, refreshing notes of citrus (I use grapefruit, but you can certainly use what you prefer).

---

I also love that this is about a 5 minute assembly, then 20 minutes in the oven to perfectly flaky fish.  Kind of my moniker...easy, quick, delicious & healthy.  Drizzling that buttery, citrusy sauce over the fish at the end is a mouth watering affair.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS ARE ALWAYS THE BEST

Citrus fruits have long been used in cooking to enhance the natural flavors of seafood. The acidity of the fruit helps to balance the fish, while the sweetness of certain citrus varieties complements its delicate texture. The zest if where it's at!  Loaded with so much citrusy flavor, it's even more important than the juice in this recipe.

Citrus fish is a delightful way to add brightness and depth to your seafood dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for something tangy and sweet or a more savory combination, citrus provides a refreshing contrast that highlights the best qualities of fresh fish.

STRAIGHT OUT OF THE OVEN □

The Best Fish for Citrus Pairings
When it comes to choosing the right fish for a citrus-infused dish, the key is to pick varieties that have a mild to moderate flavor profile. Here are some of the best options:

1. White Fish – Fish like cod, halibut, and tilapia are mild and tender, making them perfect canvases for citrus marinades or glazes.
2. Snapper – With its firm texture and subtle sweetness, snapper is an excellent choice for grilling with a citrus-based marinade or topping.
3. Mahi-Mahi – Known for its slightly sweet, firm flesh, mahi-mahi works wonderfully with a citrus beurre blanc or a lime and cilantro dressing.

This light, buttery dish combines the bright flavors of lemon and lime with the delicate taste of cod. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

DON'T FORGET TO DRIZZLE THAT CITRUS BUTTER FROM THE ROASTING DISH OVER THE FISH

Smithey Iron Skillet

​Baking/Casserole Dish

A Box grater makes quick work of the garlic & onions

5 Ingredient Citrus Fish
Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 4 fillets of cod, mahi or other thicker,  firm white fish
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 white or yellow onion, finely chopped or grated
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice and zest of 1 grapefruit (you can also use a 2 oranges if you prefer)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

​

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.  Place the cod fillets in a casserole or baking dish and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
2. In a small bowl, zest the grapefruit (or oranges), then squeeze out the juice into the bowl as well.
3. Saute the onion and garlic in a skillet over medium low heat with the butter and a small pinch of salt for about 5 minutes until translucent.  You don't want to brown the onion.
4. Spoon the onion  and garlic mixture evenly over the fish filets, then pour over the grapefruit juice and zest mixture.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
6. Sprinkle with parsley just before serving, spooning some of that buttery citrus sauce over the fish.