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Oven Baked Coconut Macadamia Fish Fillets Recipe

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4.4 from 36 reviews

This Oven Baked Coconut Macadamia Fish Fillets recipe offers a deliciously crunchy and flavorful twist on classic baked fish. Coated with finely chopped macadamia nuts and infused with melted coconut oil, this dish delivers a perfect balance of nutty richness and tender flaky fish. Easy to prepare and quick to bake, it’s an elegant, healthy main course suitable for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Nut Crust

  • 1 cup macadamia nuts, roughly chopped

Fish Fillets

  • 4 (6-ounce) cod filets or any firm white fish (halibut, mahi-mahi, tilapia)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
  • Pink salt, to taste
  • Cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
  2. Prepare Nut Crumbs: Using a food processor, pulse the macadamia nuts until they become small crumbs. Be careful not to over-process, or the nuts will release oils and you will get nut butter instead of crumbs.
  3. Set Crumbs Aside: Spread the processed macadamia nut crumbs evenly onto a plate to use for coating the fish fillets.
  4. Coat Fish Fillets: Brush each cod filet generously with the melted coconut oil. Press the top of each fillet into the macadamia nut crumbs, ensuring the crumbs stick well by pressing firmly. Spoon any remaining crumbs on top and press again to secure the coating.
  5. Season the Fish: Sprinkle pink salt and cracked black pepper over the coated fish fillets to taste, enhancing the flavors.
  6. Bake the Fish: Arrange the fillets on the prepared baking sheet with the nut-crust side facing up. Bake in the preheated oven for 7 to 9 minutes, depending on the thickness, until the fish flakes easily and is opaque white inside.
  7. Broil for Golden Crust: Switch your oven to high broil and cook the fillets for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the macadamia nut crust turns a beautiful golden brown. Watch carefully as nuts can burn quickly under the broiler.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove the fish from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro leaves if using. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Use firm white fish like cod, halibut, mahi-mahi, or tilapia for best results.
  • Pulse macadamia nuts lightly to avoid turning them into nut butter.
  • Watch the fish closely when broiling since the nuts can burn fast.
  • You can substitute coconut oil with olive oil if unavailable but coconut oil adds a nice subtle flavor.
  • Optional cilantro garnish adds fresh brightness and visual appeal.
  • Ensure fish fillets are thawed and patted dry before applying the coating for optimal crispiness.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Fusion
  • Diet: Gluten Free