Oven-baked pike

Delicious Baked Pike Recipe with Fresh Tarragon

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Resting time: 2 hours
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Who doesn’t love a dish of fresh fish, simple yet full of flavor? Today, I will share with you a baked pike recipe, a refined yet easy-to-make dish that is sure to impress anyone. Using simple yet aromatic ingredients, this pike becomes a true feast. Besides being tasty, fish is also an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for heart health.

Necessary ingredients:

- 2 kg fresh pike
- 8 cherry tomatoes
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 sprigs of fresh tarragon
- Green onion tops (to taste)
- 1 lemon
- 100 ml olive oil
- 1 tablespoon spice mix (paprika, ginger, marjoram, rosemary)
- Salt, to taste

Helpful tips for ingredients:

- Choose a fresh pike with firm flesh and shiny skin. The color should be vibrant, with no spots or unpleasant odors.
- Fresh tarragon is the key ingredient in this recipe. This aromatic herb provides a distinct, slightly anise flavor that complements the fish perfectly. If you don’t have fresh tarragon, you can use dried tarragon but reduce the quantity.
- Cherry tomatoes are ideal for this dish, but you can also use regular tomatoes cut into pieces. They add a touch of sweetness and acidity.

Preparation technique:

1. Preparing the fish: Start by cleaning and thoroughly washing the pike. Use a paper towel to dry the fish, ensuring it is as dry as possible to achieve a golden crust in the oven.

2. Spice mix: In a small bowl, combine the ground spices (paprika, ginger, marjoram, rosemary) with salt, crushed garlic, and olive oil. This mix will be the flavorful base of the dish.

3. Scoring the fish: Using a sharp knife, make incisions on the side of the pike, a few centimeters apart. This will allow the spices to penetrate the flesh better.

4. Marinating: Generously coat the pike with the oil and spice mixture, making sure to get into all the crevices. Place the fish in a baking dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least two hours. This marinating step is essential to intensify the flavors.

5. Preparing for the oven: After the resting time, preheat the oven to 180°C. Remove the dish from the refrigerator, uncover it, and fill the inside of the fish with cut cherry tomatoes and fresh tarragon leaves.

6. Baking: Drizzle the pike with a little olive oil and place the dish in the oven for about 30 minutes. The fish is ready when it is tender and turns golden on top.

7. Serving: When ready, slice the green onion tops into rounds and cut the lemon. When serving, add fresh tarragon leaves, rounds of green onion, and lemon slices for a fresh and vibrant appearance.

Serving suggestions:

This baked pike is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. You can serve it alongside mashed potatoes, a green salad with lemon dressing, or a side of steamed vegetables. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine or a seafood cocktail will pair excellently.

Possible variations:

If you want to experiment, try adding green or black olives to the recipe for an extra flavor boost. You can replace cherry tomatoes with olives or roasted peppers for a Mediterranean touch. You can also use different types of fish, such as sea bream or perch, and apply the same marinating technique.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use frozen fish?
Yes, but make sure to completely thaw and dry it well before marinating.

- What else can I add to the fish filling?
You can add sliced onions, more garlic, or even a few slices of lemon for a tangier flavor.

- How long can I keep leftovers?
Cooked fish can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Gently reheat in the oven to avoid drying it out.

In conclusion, this baked pike recipe with fresh tarragon is an excellent choice for a healthy and tasty meal. Whether you are an experienced cook or a beginner, you will find this dish easy to make and extremely satisfying. Enjoy your meal and have delicious moments with your loved ones!

 Ingredients: 2kg pike 8 cherry tomatoes 2 cloves of garlic 2 sprigs of fresh tarragon green onion tops 1 lemon 100 ml olive oil 1 tablespoon mix of paprika powder, ginger, marjoram, rosemary salt

 Tags:  baked pike over to the oven fish with vegetables fish brine