This flavorful Stuffed Fish in Puff Pastry recipe is a showstopper dish that is perfect for special occasions and gatherings. A whole fish stuffed with a delicious filling made with shrimp, vegetables, and herbs, then wrapped in buttery puff pastry and baked to golden perfection. The combination of flaky pastry and succulent fish is a match made in heaven. Serve this impressive dish with a fresh salad and enjoy the incredible flavors!
Ingredients
- 1 whole fish (such as red snapper or striped bass), gutted and scaled
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a food processor, combine the shrimp, onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, parsley, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pulse until well combined but still slightly chunky.
- Lay the fish on a baking sheet and stuff the cavity with the shrimp mixture. Close the cavity with toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the filling.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to fit the size of the fish. Carefully place the pastry over the fish, tucking the edges underneath to seal the fish completely.
- Brush the pastry with the beaten egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Gently remove the toothpicks or kitchen twine from the fish and slice it into portions.
- Serve the stuffed fish in puff pastry with your favorite side dish or a fresh salad.
Interesting Facts
Puff pastry is made by repeatedly folding and rolling layers of dough with butter to create a light and flaky pastry.
The combination of seafood and puff pastry is often referred to as 'en croûte', which means 'in a crust' in French.
You can customize the filling by adding herbs, spices, or vegetables of your choice to make it even more flavorful.