Greek Fish Recipe With Grilled Vegetables Tomato Sauce
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Looking for a delicious and unique way to prepare fish? This Greek Fish Recipe with Grilled Vegetables in Tomato Sauce is the perfect dish! It features lightly pan-fried fish fillets, combined with flavorful onions and carrots, all simmered in a tangy tomato sauce. Whether you’re serving it hot for dinner or enjoying the leftovers cold, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand!
Why You’ll Love Greek Fish Recipe With Grilled Vegetables Tomato Sauce
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh fish, tangy tomato sauce, and sautéed vegetables creates a rich and flavorful dish that will delight your taste buds. Each bite is a perfect blend of savory and slightly sweet.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you want to serve it as a warm family dinner or enjoy it cold as a leftover lunch, this recipe is versatile and works for any meal.
- Simple Ingredients, Gourmet Taste: You don’t need fancy ingredients to make this dish shine. Basic kitchen staples like onions, carrots, and tomato sauce elevate simple white fish into a gourmet experience.
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: In under an hour, you’ll have a complete meal ready to serve. With easy-to-follow steps and minimal prep, it’s a great choice for busy weeknights.
- A Heirloom Recipe with a Twist: This recipe has been passed down through generations and has a unique twist by being served hot or cold. It’s an unexpected delight that will surprise your family and guests!
This unusual fish recipe tastes very delicious. The fish is first dredged and flour and pan fried, then simmered in the tomato sauce with fried onions and shredded carrots. It was passed down to me by my grandmother and she called it “Greek Fish”. I don’t know if this recipe is really authentic Greek recipe, but that’s how I know this fish, so I’ll call it Greek Fish recipe with grilled vegetable tomato sauce :)
Greek Fish Recipe With Grilled Vegetables Tomato Sauce
Greek Fish Ingredients
- 2 lbs white fish or tilapia fillets: Use a mild white fish like tilapia or any firm white fish that holds up well when pan-fried.
- 3 onions: Sliced into half rings, they add a sweet and savory base to the dish.
- 3 carrots: Shredded for texture and a subtle sweetness that complements the tomato sauce.
- 1/2 cup flour: For dredging the fish, creating a crispy coating when pan-fried.
- 2 cans (8 oz each) tomato sauce: Provides the rich, tangy tomato base for the dish.
- 2 tbsp oil: Used to fry both the fish and the vegetables.
- 1 tbsp sugar: Balances out the acidity of the tomato sauce for a perfectly seasoned dish.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, ensuring the fish and vegetables are well-seasoned.
See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Greek Fish Recipe With Grilled Vegetables Tomato Sauce
- Large Non-Stick Frying Pan – Perfect for pan-frying the fish and sautéing the vegetables without sticking.
- Heavy-Bottomed Pot – Ensures even heat distribution when simmering the fish and vegetables in tomato sauce.
- Food Processor or Box Grater – Speeds up the process of shredding the carrots for the sauce.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Essential for measuring ingredients like flour, oil, and seasonings accurately.
Instructions How To Make Greek Fish
- Put the flour on a large plate. Heat 1 tbsp of oil on a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Sprinkle the fish evenly on both sides with 2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Dip the fish fillets into the flour on both sides, so the fish is evenly dredged in flour.
- Put the fish fillets on a frying pan in a single layer so the fish is not touching. Cook for 3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for 3 minutes on another side. Remove the cooked fish from the frying pan.
- Peel the onions and slice them into half rings. Peel the carrots and shred them using the food processor shredded blade or a box grater.
- Heat another 1 tbsp of oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the onions and carrots and mix. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring periodically, for 5 minutes. Add 1/2 tsp of salt and 1/8 tsp pepper. Taste to see if there is enough salt and add more salt if necessary. Remove the cooked carrots and onions from the frying pan.
- Put half of the fish on the bottom of a non-stick heavy-bottomed pot. Put half of the carrots and onions over the fish. Put the remaining fish in the pot as a second layer. Put the remaining carrots and onions on top.
- Mix the tomato sauce with the sugar. Pour the tomato sauce over the fish and vegetables. Add enough water so it barely covers the top vegetables. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
This fish tastes great hot or cold! If served immediately, I eat it hot, and whatever is left for the next day I serve cold straight from the refrigerator. The cold version of this Greek fish tastes very unique – even if you never tried cold fish recipes before, give it a try – it’s delicious!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this Greek Fish with Grilled Vegetables in Tomato Sauce alongside a fresh Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
- Pair it with a side of roasted potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious tomato sauce.
- For a light meal, enjoy it with Naan bread to dip into the sauce, and add a squeeze of lemon for extra freshness.
- If serving cold, accompany it with a marinated cucumber and yogurt salad or tzatziki for a refreshing side.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill to elevate the flavors and add a pop of color.
Tips For Success
- Choose the Right Fish: Use firm white fish like tilapia, cod, or snapper for this recipe. These types of fish hold up well during frying and simmering, ensuring they don’t fall apart in the sauce. Make sure your fillets are evenly cut for consistent cooking.
- Season Well: Season both the fish and the vegetable mixture with salt and pepper. Taste the sauce while it simmers to adjust the seasoning if needed. The salt helps balance the flavors of the tomato sauce and vegetables.
- Flour Coating for Extra Crispiness: Dredging the fish in flour before pan-frying gives it a nice, crispy outer layer. Ensure the fish fillets are fully coated for an even, golden crust. Shake off any excess flour to prevent burning in the pan.
- Low and Slow for Tender Fish: Once you add the fish and vegetables to the pot with the tomato sauce, simmer on low heat to avoid overcooking. This method keeps the fish tender and allows the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- Let the Dish Rest: If you’re planning to serve the fish cold, allow it to cool in the fridge for several hours or overnight. This enhances the flavors, and the texture of the fish and vegetables becomes even more enjoyable.
Variations And Substitutions
- Different Fish Options: While the recipe calls for white fish, you can substitute with salmon or trout for a richer flavor. If you prefer a milder fish, sole or haddock are great alternatives that still hold up well when fried and simmered in the sauce.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap the regular flour for gluten-free flour or cornstarch for dredging the fish. Both alternatives will still provide that crispy coating without compromising texture.
- Spice It Up: For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce or sauté the vegetables with a chopped jalapeño or chili pepper. This will give the dish a warm, spicy kick.
- Low-Sugar Option: If you’re avoiding added sugar, leave it out or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or stevia. You can also balance the tomato sauce’s acidity by adding finely grated carrots, which naturally sweeten the sauce.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian twist, replace the fish with slices of eggplant or zucchini. Dredge and fry the vegetables the same way, then layer them with the onions, carrots, and tomato sauce for a flavorful veggie dish.
Storage and Reheating
- Storing Leftovers: Place any leftover fish and vegetables in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day!
- Freezing: You can freeze this dish by placing the cooled fish and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will last for up to 2 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the fish gently in a pan over low heat with a little bit of water or extra tomato sauce to keep it moist. If reheating from frozen, thaw it completely before reheating. You can also enjoy this dish cold straight from the refrigerator for a unique twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen fish, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Pat the fish dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which will help the flour stick better and give the fish a nice, crispy texture when fried.
Is this dish traditionally Greek?
While this recipe is inspired by Greek flavors, it may not be an authentic Greek dish. It’s a family recipe passed down through generations with Mediterranean influences, combining classic ingredients like fish, vegetables, and tomato sauce.
Can I substitute canned tomato sauce with fresh tomatoes?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomato sauce. Simply blend 4-5 ripe tomatoes until smooth, or chop them finely for a chunkier texture. You may need to simmer the sauce longer to reduce its water content.
How do I make this dish dairy-free?
This recipe is already dairy-free, making it a great option for those with lactose intolerance or dairy sensitivities. Be sure to double-check any side dishes you serve with it to ensure they are also dairy-free if necessary.
What other vegetables can I use?
If you want to add more variety, you can incorporate bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant to the vegetable mix. These vegetables blend well with the tomato sauce and fish, adding even more flavor and texture to the dish.
Other Easy Fish Recipes
Easy Oven-Baked Grouper Recipe: This oven-baked grouper is tender and flaky, packed with simple seasonings for a healthy and flavorful meal.
Crispy Air Fryer Flounder Fillets: These air fryer flounder fillets come out golden and crispy without the need for deep frying, making them a perfect quick and healthy dinner.
Baked Catfish Bites Recipe: Bite-sized catfish nuggets are oven-baked to perfection, creating a crispy, delicious snack or meal that’s kid-friendly.
Air Fryer Swai Fillets Recipe: Lightly seasoned swai fillets are air fried to a crisp finish, delivering a healthy and quick seafood option.
Simple Baked Swai Fish Fillets: These baked swai fillets are seasoned and cooked to perfection, offering a mild and flaky fish dish that’s both easy and delicious.
Oven-Baked Lemon Pepper Fish Fillets: Bright and zesty, these lemon pepper fish fillets are oven-baked for a simple and flavorful dinner.
Fast Pan-Fried Cod Fillets Recipe: Quick and easy, these pan-fried cod fillets are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, perfect for a speedy weeknight meal.
Greek Fish Recipe With Grilled Vegetables Tomato Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 lbs white fish fillets tilapia or similar
- 3 onions sliced
- 3 carrots shredded
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 cans tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp oil for frying
- 1 tbsp sugar
- salt and pepper to taste
- water enough to cover vegetables in the pot
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Heavy-bottomed pot
- Food processor or box grater
Instructions
- Place flour on a large plate. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Season the fish fillets with salt (2 tsp) and pepper (¼ tsp). Dredge the fish in flour on both sides.
- Fry the fish fillets in the pan, cooking for 3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Set aside.
- In the same pan, heat 1 tbsp oil and add sliced onions and shredded carrots. Cook on medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper.
- Layer half of the fried fish fillets in a heavy-bottomed pot. Top with half of the onions and carrots. Repeat with the remaining fish and vegetables.
- In a bowl, mix tomato sauce with sugar. Pour the sauce over the fish and vegetables. Add water until it barely covers the top.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Serve hot or cold, and enjoy!
Notes
If you are looking for more yummy fish recipes, check out easy homemade gefilte fish recipe, crispy breaded fish recipe and salmon teriyaki recipe.
