Are you ready to transform an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience? Imagine a perfectly crispy, golden-brown fish fillet that's bursting with herbaceous basil pesto flavor, guaranteed to impress even the most discerning food lovers. This Basil Pesto Crusted Skate recipe is your ticket to bringing gourmet restaurant magic right into your own kitchen, with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 skate fillets
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the skate fillets cook evenly and develop a nice crust.
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with cooking spray. This will prevent the skate from sticking and make for easier cleanup.
- In a medium bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed. This mixture will create a flavorful crust for the skate.
- Take the skate fillets and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to remove excess moisture and allows the pesto to adhere better to the fish.
- Season both sides of the skate fillets with salt and pepper to taste. Be sure to season them evenly for the best flavor.
- Spread a generous layer of basil pesto over the top of each skate fillet. Use about 1/4 cup of pesto for all four fillets, ensuring that the fish is well-coated.
- Once the fillets are coated with pesto, press the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture onto the pesto-covered side of each fillet. Make sure to press down gently so the crust adheres well.
- Place the coated skate fillets on the prepared baking sheet, crust side up. Ensure they are spaced out evenly for even cooking.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the skate is cooked through and the crust is golden brown and crispy. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the skate fillets rest for a couple of minutes. This will help the juices redistribute and enhance the flavor.
- Serve the Basil Pesto Crusted Skate warm, garnished with additional basil or lemon wedges if desired. This dish pairs beautifully with a light salad or roasted vegetables.
Tips
- Pat the skate fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure the pesto and breadcrumb mixture sticks perfectly.
- Use high-quality, fresh basil pesto for the most vibrant flavor - homemade is always best, but a good store-bought version works too.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. Give each fillet enough space to ensure even cooking and crispy crust formation.
- Check the fish a few minutes before the recommended cooking time. Skate is delicate and can quickly become tough if overcooked.
- For an extra flavor boost, try adding some lemon zest to your breadcrumb mixture or squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets just before serving.
- If you can't find skate, this recipe works beautifully with other white fish like cod, halibut, or sole.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 95mg
