Crispy Fish with Warm Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Sauce over Creamy Lemon Polenta
🐟 Fish
Intermediate

Crispy Fish with Warm Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Sauce over Creamy Lemon Polenta

An original fish recipe featuring golden, crispy fillets served over creamy lemon polenta and finished with a warm sun-dried tomato, basil, and garlic sauce. It balances texture, freshness, and deep Mediterranean-inspired flavor.

20 minPrep
25 minCook
45 minTotal
4Servings
High Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 4 600 g firm white fish fillets (como bacalao, mero or robalo, skinless)
  • 6 g salt (divided)
  • 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 60 g fine cornmeal (for cubrir the pescado)
  • 2 g sweet paprika (for the crust)
  • 45 ml olive oil (divided)
  • 3 cloves garlic (1 grated and 2 chopped)
  • 150 g quick-cooking polenta (dry)
  • 360 ml water (for the polenta)
  • 360 ml vegetable broth (for the polenta)
  • 120 ml milk (whole or semidescremada)
  • 20 g butter (for the polenta)
  • 35 g grated Parmesan cheese (more a poco optional for servir)
  • 1 unit lemon (1 tbsp de jugo)
  • 70 g oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (escurridos and chopped)
  • 40 g shallot (finely chopped)
  • 15 ml white wine vinegar (for the sauce)
  • 12 g fresh basil (leaves chopped, divided)
  • 8 g fresh parsley (chopped for terminar)

Nutrition facts

per serving

465 kcal
Calories
35 g
Protein
24 g
Carbs
25 g
Fat
2 g
Fiber
22 g
Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

DairyFish

Instructions

  1. 1

    1. Pat the fish fillets very dry with paper towels. Season with 3 g salt, black pepper, and the grated garlic. On a plate, mix the fine cornmeal with the sweet paprika and lightly coat each fillet on both sides.

  2. 2

    2. In a medium saucepan, bring the water, vegetable broth, milk, and 2 g salt to a boil over medium heat. Slowly rain in the polenta while whisking constantly. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring, until thickened.

  3. 3

    3. Stir the butter, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice into the polenta. Mix until creamy. Keep warm over very low heat.

  4. 4

    4. Heat 30 ml olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, cook the fish fillets for 3 to 4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden outside and just cooked through in the center. If checking with a thermometer, the center should reach 145°F / 63°C. Remove and keep warm on a plate.

  5. 5

    5. In the same skillet, reduce to medium heat and add the remaining 15 ml olive oil. Add the shallot, the 2 chopped garlic cloves, and the sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring, until the shallot softens.

  6. 6

    6. Add the white wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons water, and half of the chopped basil. Cook 1 minute more to create a warm, glossy sauce. Taste and adjust with the remaining 1 g salt if needed.

  7. 7

    7. To serve, spoon the creamy polenta onto four plates. Place one fish fillet on each plate and finish with the warm sun-dried tomato basil sauce. Sprinkle with the remaining basil, fresh parsley, and, if desired, a little extra Parmesan cheese.

  8. 8

    8. Serve immediately. If you need to keep the fish warm for a few minutes, place it in a 200°F / 95°C oven uncovered to preserve the crisp crust.

Chef tips

For an extra crisp crust, let the cornmeal-coated fish rest for 5 minutes before cooking. Polenta thickens quickly; if it firms up too much, loosen it with a splash of hot water or broth.

Substitutions

You can use sea bass, cod, tilapia, or hake. Shallot can be replaced with finely chopped white onion. If you do not have Parmesan, use mild Pecorino, keeping in mind it will be saltier.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

  • Illustrative image: Air fryerIllustrative image

    Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer

    Browning and baking with little oil

    • Browns food with very little oil
    • Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
    • Check the basket capacity
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Digital kitchen thermometerIllustrative image

    TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer

    Checking doneness of meat and chicken

    • Checks doneness of meat and chicken
    • Quick reading
    • Clean the probe after each use
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Non-stick frying panIllustrative image

    T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan

    Eggs, omelets and stir-fries

    • Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
    • Comfortable, sturdy handle
    • Use wooden or silicone utensils
    View on Amazon

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