Fish: Hot and Fast
An Article by Marie Simmons

My hot and fast method for cooking fish is great for a quick family supper, or with a few embellishments, a dish fancy enough for entertaining.

This method demonstrates the easy foolproof method of roasting thick cuts of fish, either steaks or thick fillets, in a very hot – 450°F. – oven for approximately 10 minutes per inch thickness of the fish.

First roast the vegetables in a large baking dish at a lower temperature until they are tender and begin to brown, or caramelize, around the edges. Then remove the vegetables from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 450°F.

Push the vegetables to the sides of the pan to make a space for the fish. Place the fish in the center of the pan and spoon some of the vegetables over the top. Roast until the fish is done. It should take about 10 minutes. Test by inserting the tip of a paring knife in the thickest part. The center should be opaque, or milky white. Remove the pan from the oven. If using fish steaks pull the skin away from the flesh and discard. You can serve the fish right from the roasting dish, transfer to a platter, or place on individual serving plates. The roasted vegetables make a nice side dish with a fish, or spooned over the top a roasted sauce. Convenient and delicious.

The weeknight recipe below is made with onions, dried thyme and a strip of orange zest all ingredients you probably have on hand. You just need to pick up the fish at the market.

For the variation or fancier company dish the flavor of the dish is enhanced by marinating it in olive oil, orange juice and garlic. For the shopping list you will need to add fresh herbs and sun dried tomatoes. Still it is a very easy recipe to prepare. Roast the onions ahead and then add the fish after the guests have arrived and you are about 10 minutes away from sitting down at the table.

Serve with a winter green salad and a comforting apple butter bread pudding for dessert.

Copyright © 2002 by Marie Simmons. All rights reserved. A version of this article originally appeared in the LA Times as a Fresh & Fast column.

Recipes

• Easy Everyday Fish Roasted with Caramelized Onions and Roasted Potatoes
• Avocado and Orange Salad
• Apple Butter Bread Pudding