Aegean Dreams on a Canadian Shore
This dish is a celebration of light, fresh flavours. The mild, sweet taste of Lake Whitefish provides the perfect base for a zesty, savory crust inspired by the Greek islands. Paired with a bright orzo salad, it’s a healthy, elegant meal that evokes sunny afternoons by the water, whether it’s Lake Superior or the Mediterranean Sea.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Servings
4
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Canadian Fusion | Diet: None | Skill Level: Beginner | Cost: Moderate
Ingredients
- 4 (6-oz) Lake Whitefish fillets, skinless
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Orzo Salad: 1.5 cups dry orzo, 1 English cucumber diced, 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved, 1/2 cup Kalamata olives halved, 1/4 cup diced red onion, 1/4 cup olive oil, juice of 1 lemon, salt and pepper
👨🍳 Chef’s Tips
- Use good quality feta packed in brine for the best salty, tangy flavour.
- Patting the fish fillets very dry is essential for preventing a soggy topping.
- Fresh herbs are highly recommended over dried for the crust, especially the dill and parsley.
- The orzo salad can be made a day in advance; the flavours will be even better.
Preparation
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Transfer to a large bowl.
- Assemble the Salad: To the cooled orzo, add the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and red onion. Drizzle with 1/4 cup of olive oil and the juice of one lemon. Season with salt and pepper and toss to combine. The colors should look like a mosaic.
- Prepare the Crumb Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, crumbled feta, chopped parsley, dill, oregano, and lemon zest. The scent will be incredibly fresh and herbaceous. Drizzle in 2 tbsp of olive oil and mix with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse, damp sand. This moisture helps it adhere to the fish.
- Prepare the Fish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the whitefish fillets completely dry with a paper towel and season both sides lightly with salt and pepper. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Cooking
- Crust the Whitefish: Divide the panko-feta mixture evenly among the four fillets. Gently press the topping onto the surface of the fish to form a thick, even crust.
- Bake to Perfection: Drizzle a little more olive oil over the crust. Bake for 12-15 minutes. The topping should be a beautiful golden-brown and crisp, and the fish should be opaque and flake easily when prodded with a fork. The kitchen will fill with the wonderful aroma of toasted breadcrumbs, lemon, and herbs.
Serving
Serve a warm fillet of the crusted whitefish immediately from the oven, placed alongside a generous scoop of the cool, refreshing orzo salad. Garnish with an extra sprig of fresh dill and a lemon wedge for squeezing.
Storage
The orzo salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cooked fish is best eaten fresh but can be refrigerated for a day; reheat in an oven or air fryer to re-crisp the crust.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 620 kcal |
| Protein | 42g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Fat | 28g |
Simple Elegance, Superb Taste
This recipe is a testament to the idea that sophisticated meals don’t have to be complicated. The contrast between the warm, crispy fish and the cool, tangy salad makes every bite interesting. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion.
Tags: Whitefish Recipe, Mediterranean Diet, Healthy Fish Recipe, Feta Cheese, Orzo Salad
Hungry for more?
For more delicious northern recipes, check out our Melgund: Come Eat With Me Cookbook! Serving the communities of Dyment and Borups Corners in Melgund Township, Northwestern Ontario. This digital literacy and food security program is supported by Art Borups Corners and Melgund Recreation, Arts and Culture.
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