Golden, crunchy panko on tender Washington rockfish, baked fast and finished with a lemony drizzle. A warm skillet of seasonal butternut squash and crisp-tart Fuji apple makes this cozy, PNW-inspired dinner feel special yet weeknight-easy.
Details
Ingredients
- Fresh Rockfish Fillet Pacific Caught (sustainably sourced) 12 oz (about 0.75 lb) fillet, skinless if possible sale $4.99/lb
- Panko breadcrumbs 1/2 cup
- Parmesan, finely grated 2 tbsp
- Simple Truth Organic Baby Dill, chopped 1 tbsp (plus extra for garnish) $2.79 / 0.5 oz
- Lemon (zest and wedges) 1 large
- Paprika + kosher salt + black pepper 1/2 tsp paprika; 3/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper, divided
- Olive oil 2–3 tbsp, divided
- Organic Butternut Squash 1.5 lb, peeled and 1/2-inch dice $1.99/lb
- Organic Fuji Apple 1 medium, 1/2-inch dice $2.79/lb
- Organic Yellow Onion 1/2 medium, small dice $2.19/lb
- Butter (or more olive oil) 1 tbsp
Instructions
- Prep: Heat oven to 425°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment. Pat rockfish dry and set aside.
- Make the crunchy topping: In a bowl mix panko, Parmesan, 1 tsp lemon zest, dill, paprika, a pinch of salt and pepper, and 1 tbsp olive oil until evenly moistened.
- Coat and bake fish: Brush fish lightly with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and press the panko mixture onto the top. Bake 10–14 minutes (depending on thickness) until the fish flakes easily and reaches 145°F.
- Start the warm squash-apple skillet: While fish bakes, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Sauté onion 2–3 minutes until translucent. Add diced butternut squash, 1/2 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp water. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, 8–10 minutes until nearly tender.
- Finish the skillet: Uncover, add 1 tbsp butter and the diced apple. Cook 3–4 minutes more until the squash is tender and apples just soften. Squeeze in 1–2 tsp lemon juice; adjust salt and pepper.
- Serve: Spoon the warm squash-apple onto plates. Top with the crispy rockfish, drizzle with a little more lemon, and sprinkle with extra dill. Serve with lemon wedges.
Health notes: About 600–700 calories per serving. High-protein fish, fiber-rich squash and apple; moderate fat. Bake method keeps it light.
Drink pairing: Washington dry Riesling (try Chateau Ste. Michelle Dry Riesling) or a crisp pilsner from Chuckanut Brewery.