COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If grilling, prepare your grill for medium-high heat.
In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Blend until smooth to create the pesto sauce.
Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel and let them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. This guarantees even cooking.
If baking, lightly coat a casserole dish with non-stick spray or olive oil. Place the fish fillets in the dish and spread a generous amount of pesto sauce over the top of each fillet.
For an extra layer of flavor, you can mix pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and mayonnaise to create a pesto crust and spread it over the fish.
Bake the fish in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is firm to the touch and flakes easily with a fork. If grilling, place the fillets on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
Once cooked, remove the fish from the oven or grill and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Serve with lemon wedges and your choice of side dishes.
For the best results, make certain to use fresh ingredients, especially the pesto, as it greatly enhances the flavor of the dish.
Additionally, consider marinating the fish in a little olive oil and lemon juice for 30 minutes before cooking to add more moisture and flavor. Enjoy your meal with a side of pasta or roasted vegetables to create a complete dining experience!