Description
This recipe features flaky orange roughy with an aromatic Harissa-Lime Glaze and a bright Pistachio-Mint Gremolata. It’s a healthy, quick, and flavorful seafood dish perfect for busy weeknights, consistently receiving rave reviews.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 orange roughy fillets (about 170 g each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp sea salt, divided
- 0.5 tsp black pepper, divided
- 2 tbsp harissa paste (ensure vegetable-based)
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.25 tsp ground cumin
- 0.25 cup shelled unsalted pistachios
- 0.25 cup packed fresh mint leaves
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 2 lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prep Fish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the orange roughy fillets very dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with 0.5 tsp sea salt and 0.25 tsp black pepper.
- Prepare Pistachio-Mint Gremolata: Roughly chop the shelled pistachios and fresh mint leaves. In a small bowl, combine the chopped pistachios, mint, and lime zest. Set this aside to add a vibrant, fresh topping later.
- Whisk Harissa-Lime Glaze: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the harissa paste, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, maple syrup, garlic powder, ground cumin, 1 tbsp olive oil, and the remaining 0.5 tsp sea salt and 0.25 tsp black pepper until well combined and smooth.
- Sear Orange Roughy Fillets: Heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the orange roughy fillets in the hot pan and sear for 2 minutes per side until lightly golden.
- Glaze & Bake: Remove the skillet from heat. Brush about half of the Harissa-Lime Glaze generously over the seared fillets. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C)).
- Rest & Serve: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Let the orange roughy rest in the pan for 2 minutes before serving. Drizzle with remaining glaze, top generously with the Pistachio-Mint Gremolata, and garnish with a fresh lime wedge.
Notes
Pat fillets very dry for a good sear and to prevent steaming. Ensure the pan is hot and oil shimmering before searing to prevent sticking. Orange roughy cooks quickly; watch for the opaque, flaky texture and avoid overcooking. Cook in batches if needed to avoid crowding the pan. The Harissa-Lime Glaze can be doubled for use on chicken or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing, Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (170 g)
- Calories: 320 calories
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: orange roughy, seafood, fish, harissa, lime, pistachio, mint, quick dinner, healthy, weeknight meal