Poached Fish in Shrimp Sauce Recipe
This delightful dish is a variation of a recipe I stumbled upon in a beloved old cookbook, The Encyclopedia of Creative Cooking, which I’ve had for over 25 years. Over time, I’ve adjusted it to make it a more affordable version while preserving its rich flavors. The beauty of this recipe is in its versatility – you can use any type of fish, though my personal favorite is fresh, juicy salmon. While the recipe may look a bit complicated at first glance, rest assured, it’s incredibly easy to make and quick to prepare. The preparation time includes the necessary steps for thickening the sauce, ensuring everything comes together beautifully.
Whether you’re looking to impress at a family dinner or serve something special for a weeknight meal, Poached Fish in Shrimp Sauce will become your go-to dish. The balance of savory flavors from the shrimp sauce perfectly complements the delicately poached fish, making each bite an absolute treat.
Ingredients for Poached Fish in Shrimp Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Milk | 8 ounces |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Shrimp | 1 cup |
| Margarine | 1/4 cup |
| Flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1/3 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sweet Paprika | 2 teaspoons |
| Parsley Flakes | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Half-and-Half | 1 cup |
| Mushrooms (sliced) | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutritional Fact | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 581.1 kcal |
| Fat Content | 31.2 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 15.1 grams |
| Cholesterol Content | 258 mg |
| Sodium Content | 1287.2 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 15.4 grams |
| Fiber Content | 0.6 grams |
| Sugar Content | 0.6 grams |
| Protein Content | 58 grams |
Instructions
For the Shrimp Sauce:
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Melt Margarine: Start by melting the margarine in a medium-sized saucepan over low heat. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent burning.
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Add Flour: Gradually stir in the flour, creating a smooth roux (paste). This will help thicken the sauce later.
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Incorporate Half-and-Half: Slowly pour in the half-and-half, stirring constantly to blend. Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat until it thickens to your desired consistency. This should take around 5 minutes.
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Season the Sauce: Once the sauce has thickened, add the salt, black pepper, sweet paprika, parsley flakes, and sliced mushrooms. Stir gently, allowing the mushrooms to soften and absorb the flavors.
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Simmer: Keep the sauce on a very low heat while you prepare the fish, stirring occasionally.
For the Poached Fish:
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Prepare the Fish: Roll up each fillet of your chosen fish, starting from the larger end. Secure each roll with a toothpick to ensure it stays in shape during the cooking process.
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Arrange the Fish: Place the rolled fillets in a glass 9×13 baking dish, ensuring they’re laid out evenly and snugly.
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Season the Fish: Pour the milk over the fish, and sprinkle it with the salt and pepper. This will help to poach the fish and infuse it with a subtle flavor.
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Microwave the Fish: Cover the baking dish with waxed paper and microwave the fish on full power for about 3 minutes, or until it’s just barely cooked through.
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Prepare for Baking: Carefully remove the fillets from the microwave and discard the liquid in the dish. Place the fish back into the dish, making sure it’s evenly spaced.
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Add the Shrimp Sauce: Pour the hot shrimp sauce over the fish fillets, ensuring each piece is well-covered with the delicious sauce.
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Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the fish for 15 minutes. The fish should be tender, and the sauce should have bubbled slightly at the edges, creating a flavorful crust.
Serving Suggestions
Once your Poached Fish in Shrimp Sauce is out of the oven, it’s ready to be served. The fish will be beautifully poached, with a delicate flakiness that complements the rich shrimp sauce. Pair this dish with a side of steamed vegetables, rice pilaf, or a fresh green salad for a complete, well-rounded meal.
You can also garnish the fish with additional parsley flakes for a touch of freshness or a sprinkle of paprika for a subtle hint of spice. This dish is equally wonderful served with a chilled glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay, to elevate the flavors.
Tips and Variations
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Fish Variations: While this recipe calls for fresh salmon, it works wonderfully with other fish types such as halibut, cod, or tilapia. Each variety brings its own unique flavor to the dish, allowing you to tailor the recipe to your taste.
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Sauce Adjustments: For a richer shrimp sauce, you can add a bit of cream instead of half-and-half. For a lighter version, use skim milk.
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Mushroom Option: The mushrooms add a lovely texture to the sauce, but you can omit them if preferred, or swap them for other vegetables like spinach or zucchini for variation.
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Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Poached Fish in Shrimp Sauce is a delightful, quick-to-prepare dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor. The creamy, savory shrimp sauce brings out the best in the fish, making it a meal your family and friends will rave about. With minimal ingredients and a few simple steps, this dish can be easily made even on busy evenings, offering a healthy yet indulgent dining experience.
