Brazilian Baked Fish with Cashew-Herb Crust, Green Coconut Rice, and Tomato Vinaigrette

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 220 °C / 425 °F. Lightly grease a baking tray or dish with a little of the olive oil.

2. 2

   In a bowl, mix the roasted cashews, breadcrumbs, parsley, half of the cilantro, 2 minced garlic cloves, half of the lime zest, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until the mixture is moist and crumbly.

3. 3

   Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. Season them with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon lime juice, the remaining lime zest, and a little black pepper. Place them on the prepared tray and press the cashew crust onto the top of each fillet.

4. 4

   Bake the fish for 12 to 15 minutes at 220 °C / 425 °F, or until just cooked through and the crust looks golden. For extra color, broil for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely, at the same temperature setting.

5. 5

   While the fish bakes, make the rice. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Sauté half of the onion with 1 minced garlic clove for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.

6. 6

   Add the rinsed rice and stir for 1 minute. Pour in the coconut milk, water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 15 to 18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.

7. 7

   Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then fold in the remaining chopped cilantro.

8. 8

   For the vinaigrette, combine the tomatoes, yellow bell pepper, remaining onion, 1 minced garlic clove, white wine vinegar, the last tablespoon of olive oil, the remaining tablespoon of lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. Let it stand for 5 minutes so the flavors meld.

9. 9

   Serve a bed of green coconut rice on each plate. Place a cashew-crusted fish fillet on top and finish with the tomato vinaigrette over or alongside it.

10. 10

    If desired, let the fish rest for 2 minutes out of the oven before serving so it stays juicy and the crust remains firm.