Ingredients
Fish
- 4 x 160g/5oz white fish fillets, ~2cm / 0.8" thick, skinless (barramundi, snapper, tilapia, cod, salmon)
- 1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Potato Gratin
- 3 tbsp / 50g unsalted butter
- 2 large leeks, white and pale green part only, washed, cut in half lengthways, sliced 5mm / 0.2" thick OR 2 onions
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium starchy potatoes (250g / 8oz each), peeled
- 3/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (any type, or substitute with more vegetable stock)
- 1/2 cup vegetable stock/broth, low sodium
- 1 cup thickened/heavy cream
Crunchy Topping
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup parmesan, finely shredded
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C fan) and position a shelf in the middle.
- Prepare Potatoes: Cut potatoes into quarters then slice them 4mm thick. Place in a large bowl of water to remove excess starch and prevent browning; drain before use.
- Make Crunchy Topping: In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil. Stir in the finely shredded parmesan. Set aside.
- Season Fish: Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of fish fillets and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in a large 30cm (12") oven-proof skillet over high heat until foamy. Add leeks and minced garlic and cook for 3 minutes.
- Sauté Potatoes: Add potatoes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for 6 minutes, stirring regularly, until potatoes are half cooked.
- Reduce Liquids: Pour in white wine and simmer rapidly until mostly evaporated (about 1 minute). Add vegetable stock, simmer for 1.5 minutes or until reduced by half.
- Add Fish and Cream: Turn off the stove. Place fish fillets on top of the potato mixture, presentation side up. Pour cream evenly over the fish and potatoes. Sprinkle the prepared panko topping over the entire dish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This allows the fish to stay succulent while the gratin cooks through.
- Grill Topping: Switch the oven to grill (broiler) on high and move the skillet to the top shelf. Grill for 4 minutes or until the topping turns golden and crunchy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy the fish and gratin together for optimal flavor.
Notes
- Fish: Use delicate white fish fillets about 2 cm thick; barramundi is ideal. Other options include John Dory, snapper, basa, jewfish, blue eye cod, tilapia, cod, halibut, pollock, hake. Salmon also works well. Frozen fish can be used if thawed and patted dry. Presentation side is the one that was cut off the bone and looks better cooked face up.
- Leeks: Use only the white and pale green parts. Remove the tough, dark green leafy parts. Slice after washing thoroughly.
- Potatoes: Use starchy or all-purpose floury potatoes for best gratin texture (e.g., Sebago in Australia, Russet in the US, Maris Piper in the UK).
- Wine: Use dry white wine; substitute with vegetable stock if preferred.
- Cooking Time: The 30-minute baking time ensures fish stays moist despite appearing long.
- Other Proteins: Chicken is not recommended; shrimp/prawns could work but would require reducing cook time significantly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Mains
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-style