Are you ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure? Imagine a dish that combines the delicate, flaky texture of orange roughy with perfectly cooked vermicelli, creating a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to a gourmet restaurant—right from your own kitchen! This recipe is not just a meal; it's a quick, elegant escape that proves restaurant-quality dining can be achieved in just 25 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Seafood
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 200g vermicelli
- 2 orange roughy fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by patting the orange roughy fillets dry with paper towels and seasoning both sides with salt and pepper.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the vermicelli. Cook the vermicelli according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
- Place the seasoned orange roughy fillets into the hot skillet. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is golden and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Add minced garlic to the skillet during the last minute of cooking the fish, allowing it to become fragrant but not burn.
- Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the cooked vermicelli and toss with the remaining pan juices.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta and fish. If the pasta seems dry, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
- Plate the vermicelli, top with the orange roughy fillets, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot, with additional lemon wedges on the side if desired.
Tips
- Pat the fish dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden crust and prevent steaming.
- Use medium-high heat for the skillet to achieve a beautiful sear on the orange roughy without overcooking.
- Don't walk away while cooking the fish—those 3-4 minutes per side are crucial for perfect doneness.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining; it's a secret weapon for creating a light, silky sauce.
- Fresh lemon and parsley are not just garnishes—they brighten the entire dish and add layers of fresh flavor.
- Invest in a good instant-read thermometer to check the fish's internal temperature (145°F/63°C) for food safety and perfect texture.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the fish at its most tender and the pasta at its most flavorful.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 55mg
