Easy Cider-Cream Roasted Fish Dinner
This family-friendly meal brings a touch of French coastal cuisine to your dinner table. Tender fish fillets are roasted in a delightful cider-cream sauce, creating a dish that's both sophisticated and simple. Paired with steamed potatoes dusted with sea salt and fresh herbs, this meal offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It's a quick, nutritious dinner option that will please both adults and kids alike.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 35 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine French-inspired
Servings 4 servings
Calories 550 kcal
Large baking dish or gratin dish
Steamer or steamer basket
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Large serving platter
Seafood
- 4 large mackerel about 1 lb / 450g each, cleaned and gutted [or substitute with milder fish like tilapia, cod, or halibut]
Produce
- 4 medium shallots finely chopped
- 4 sprigs fresh chives finely chopped
- 2 lbs small potatoes washed [900g]
Dairy
- 3 tablespoons crème fraîche or heavy cream [45ml]
Beer, Wine & Liquor
- 3/4 cup dry hard cider [180ml]
Baking & Spices
- 1 teaspoon fleur de sel or sea salt flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- to taste Additional salt and pepper for seasoning fish
Prepare the Oven and Ingredients
Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
Rinse the mackerel under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season the fish inside and out with salt and pepper.
Finely chop the shallots and chives, keeping them separate.
Roast the Mackerel
Pour about 1/3 of the cider-cream mixture into the baking dish.
Arrange the mackerel side by side in the dish, then pour the remaining sauce over the fish.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and roast for 15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.
Finish and Serve
Once the potatoes are cooked, peel them if desired and transfer to a large serving platter.
Sprinkle the potatoes with fleur de sel and chopped chives.
Remove the mackerel from the oven and carefully transfer to the platter alongside the potatoes.
Spoon the hot cider-cream sauce from the baking dish over both the fish and potatoes.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional chives if desired.
For picky eaters, consider serving the sauce on the side.
1. Fish Selection: While mackerel is rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids, its strong flavor might not appeal to all family members. Feel free to substitute with milder fish like tilapia, cod, or halibut. Adjust cooking time as needed for thicker or thinner fillets.
2. Sauce Ingredients: If crème fraîche isn't available, substitute with sour cream or a mixture of heavy cream and a squeeze of lemon juice. For the cider, use any dry hard cider or apple juice with a splash of white wine vinegar.
3. Kid-Friendly Tips: Let kids help by sprinkling herbs on the potatoes or whisking the sauce. For very picky eaters, consider preparing plain steamed fish alongside this dish.
4. Flavor Customization: Feel free to add minced garlic, lemon zest, or your family's favorite herbs to the sauce for extra flavor.
5. Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the sauce and clean the fish in advance. Store separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
6. Leftover Ideas: Use any leftover fish and potatoes to make a quick fish chowder or fish cakes the next day.
7. Nutrition Boost: This meal is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain health and development. The potatoes provide fiber and vitamins, making this a well-balanced family dinner.
8. Time-Saving Tip: Use pre-washed baby potatoes to cut down on prep time. They can often be steamed with the skin on, saving even more time.
9. Serving Suggestion: Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. This dish goes great with apple slices for dessert, tying in with the cider flavor in the main course. Keyword healthy fish recipe, Omega-3 Rich, Quick Family Meal