Pan-Seared Fish Bowl (Print Version)

Tender white fish over fluffy rice with roasted vegetables and zesty lemon sauce.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fish

01 - 4 fillets (6 ounces each) flaky white fish such as cod, halibut, or tilapia
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika optional

→ Rice

05 - 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
06 - 2 cups water
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Roasted Vegetables

08 - 1 medium zucchini sliced
09 - 1 medium red bell pepper chopped
10 - 1 small red onion sliced
11 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
12 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
13 - Salt and pepper to taste
14 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano

→ Lemon Sauce

15 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
16 - 2 cloves garlic minced
17 - Juice and zest of 1 lemon
18 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
19 - Salt and pepper to taste

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, toss zucchini, bell pepper, red onion, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 18-20 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.
02 - Rinse rice under cold water. In a saucepan, combine rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
03 - Pat fish fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
04 - Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add fish fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a warm plate.
05 - Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, zest, parsley, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat immediately.
06 - Divide cooked rice among 4 serving bowls. Top each portion with roasted vegetables and one pan-seared fish fillet. Drizzle generously with lemon sauce and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 45 minutes, which means weeknight dinner that tastes like you planned it all day.
  • One bowl, endless combinations—swap vegetables with whatever's in season and suddenly it feels new again.
  • The lemon sauce is where the magic happens, turning simple ingredients into something bright and restaurant-worthy.
02 -
  • Never, ever skip drying the fish—moisture is the enemy of a good sear, and wet fish will steam instead of developing that golden crust you're after.
  • The lemon sauce should go in at the very last moment, still warm and glossy, not sitting around waiting to be drizzled—it's best when it's just made.
03 -
  • Use a nonstick skillet for the fish—it removes all the guesswork and prevents sticking, which is confidence you need when you're learning.
  • The lemon zest is worth grating fresh; pre-packaged zest has lost its oils and won't give you that burst of brightness that makes this sauce special.
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