30-Minute Lemony Fish and Rice Skillet
A complete one-pan dinner featuring tender fish fillets layered over seasoned rice and colorful frozen vegetables. The rice mix provides nutty almonds and oriental seasonings while fresh lemon peel and juice brighten the entire dish. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a balanced meal without multiple pots and pans. The fish steams gently on top of the rice, staying moist and flaky while absorbing the lemony flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 package fried rice mix (6.2 ounces rice and vermicelli with almonds and Oriental seasonings)
- 2 tablespoons margarine or butter
- 2 cups water
- ½ teaspoon lemon peel, grated
- 1 bag frozen corn, broccoli and red peppers, 1 pound
- 1 pound mild-flavored fish fillets, about 1/2 inch thickchicken breast1:1protein
increase cooking time to 12-15 minutes
- ½ teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- 1
Cook rice mix and margarine in nonstick skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until rice turns golden brown
- 2
Stir in water, seasoning packet from rice mix, and lemon peel, then bring to boiling
- 3
Reduce heat, cover and simmer
- 4
Stir in frozen vegetables and return to boiling, stirring occasionally
- 5
Cut fish into serving pieces and arrange on rice mixture
- 6
Sprinkle fish with lemon-pepper seasoning and drizzle with lemon juice
- 7
Reduce heat, cover and simmer until fish flakes easily with fork and vegetables are tender
- 8
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving
Tips
Use a 12-inch nonstick skillet to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking when layering ingredients.
Don't skip browning the rice - this step adds nutty flavor and prevents mushy texture during simmering.
Choose firm white fish like cod, tilapia, or halibut that won't fall apart during the gentle steaming process.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days. Fish quality degrades quickly, so consume within 24 hours for best texture.
Rice mixture can be prepared through step 3 and refrigerated. Add vegetables and fish when ready to serve.
Serve immediately while fish is hot and flaky. Garnish with extra lemon wedges if desired.
Common Mistakes
Don't overcook fish to avoid dry, tough texture - check for flaking at minimum time.
Keep heat at medium-low during simmering to prevent rice from burning on bottom.
Don't lift cover frequently during cooking to maintain even steam and temperature.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
may need longer cooking time
FAQ
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, but add 2-3 extra minutes of cooking time since fresh vegetables take longer to become tender than frozen ones.
What if I don't have lemon-pepper seasoning?
Mix 1/4 teaspoon black pepper with 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder and a pinch of dried lemon zest as a substitute.
How long will leftovers keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered for up to 2 days, but fish quality is best within 24 hours. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the fish.