Peixe no Barco (Fish in a Boat)
A unique and flavorful way of preparing fish, typically sea bream or similar white fish, stuffed with a mixture of vegetables, herbs, and sometimes breadcrumbs, then baked or grilled. It's named 'fish in a boat' due to the way the fish is prepared to hold its filling.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 medium Whole white fish (e.g., Sea Bream, Grouper)(cleaned, scaled, and gutted)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(diced)
- 1 medium Bell pepper (any color)(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 0.25 cup Fresh parsley(chopped)
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped)
- 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs(optional, for binding)
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 1 tsp Piri-piri sauce (optional)(for a spicy kick)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) or prepare grill.
- 2
Make a few diagonal slits on the sides of each fish. Season the inside and outside of the fish with salt and pepper.
- 3
In a bowl, combine the chopped onion, diced tomatoes, chopped bell pepper, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, breadcrumbs (if using), lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and piri-piri sauce (if using). Mix well to create the stuffing.
- 4
Carefully stuff the cavity of each fish with the prepared mixture. You can use toothpicks to secure the opening if needed.
- 5
Place the stuffed fish on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or directly on the grill grates.
- 6
Bake for 30-40 minutes, or grill for about 15-20 minutes per side, until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The stuffing should be tender and slightly browned.
- 7
Serve the 'Peixe no Barco' hot, with the delicious stuffing alongside the fish. It pairs well with rice or a fresh salad.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Choose fresh fish for the best results.
- ✓Don't overstuff the fish, as it can prevent even cooking.
- ✓If grilling, use a fish basket to prevent the fish from sticking and breaking apart.
🔄 Variations
- Add capers or olives to the stuffing for an extra layer of flavor.
- Incorporate a splash of white wine into the stuffing mixture.