Many people underestimate the health benefits that fish can provide. Fish is a low fat food that provides an abundance of vitamins and minerals, as well as protein. It also contains the Omega 3 fatty acid. This is an essential fatty acid that has been proven to help fight heart disease when included in a healthy diet. In fact, many health professional recommend eating fish twice a week. Finding a tasty fish recipe can sometimes be a challenge, which is why I have included four of my favorite fish recipes below. I hope you enjoy them!

Poached Citrus Salmon

Ingredients:
2 1/2 lbs skinless salmon fillet
1 qt chicken stock
1 qt orange juice
2 cups white wine
1 small yellow onion (chopped)
2 tbsp minced garlic
2 cups chopped lemon grass
1 tsp salt
1 tsp white pepper

Directions:
Cut the salmon into equal portions. In a large sauce pan, pour in the chicken stock, white wine, orange juice, onion, lemon grass, and garlic. Mix the ingredients together, then add in the salt and white pepper. Allow this mixture to boil for about five minutes, then reduce it to a low boil. Drop the salmon into the mixture and let it cook for about five minutes, or until it becomes tender and flaky.

Baked Cod

Ingredients:
1 cup seasoned croutons (crushed)
1 tbsp minced fresh parsley
2 cod fillets
1 tbsp ranch salad dressing
Butter-flavored spray

Directions:
In a bowl, mix together the parsley and crushed croutons. Baste the cod with ranch dressing, and then roll it in the crouton mixture. Spray with butter-flavored spray, then place it into a lightly greased 11 x 7-inch pan. Bake for 10 – 15 minutes at 400 degrees F, or until the fish has become flaky.

Fish Cakes (Catfish)

Ingredients:
1 lb catfish fillets
1 medium onion (chopped)
1 tsp prepared yellow mustard
1 tbsp creamy mayonnaise (recommend: Miracle Whip)
1/2 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
2 1/2 cups coarsely crushed Ritz crackers
1 egg
1 cup vegetable oil (to fry)

Directions:
Put the catfish into a sauce pan and add just enough water to cover the fish. Allow the water to come to a boil and cook the fish until it is well done. It should flake well with a fork. Drain out the water and mash the fish with a fork or potato masher. Add in the mustard, Old Bay seasoning, egg, cracker crumbs, onion, and salad dressing. Mix the ingredients well. Now you need to prepare the skillet for frying. Pour the oil in and bring it to a medium-high heat. Press the fish mixture into the shape of a patty and fry both sides in the oil until well done. Drain the excess grease using a paper towel.

Creamy Tilapia

Ingredients:
4 tilapia fillets
Butter-flavored spray
4 tsp margarine (melted)
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp chopped fresh dill weed
1 tbsp lemon-pepper seasoning
4 tsp cream cheese
5 tbsp lemon juice, or to taste
2 tbsp chopped fresh dill weed

Directions:
Grease a baking sheet and place the tilapia on the sheet. Give them a light spray with butter-flavored spray. Drizzle a bit of melted butter and lemon juice over each fillet. Season with lemon pepper as well as 2 tbsp dill. Bake at 375 degrees F for about 15 minutes, or until the fish is done. It should flake easily with a fork. While the fish is in the oven, mix together the cream cheese, 2 tbsp dill, and 5 tbsp lemon juice. When it is well mixed, microwave for just over a minute, then stir. Place the cooked fillets onto plates and spoon the sauce on top of the fillets.