Lake Brainerd Fish Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant, lake-inspired stew with tender white fish, garden vegetables, and a bright lemon finish, capturing the essence of Minnesota's lakeside charm. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, onion, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until translucent, then add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed white fish fillets and cook for 2 minutes per side until lightly browned, then stir in 1 cup diced tomatoes, 1 cup vegetable broth, 1/2 cup diced potatoes, 1/2 cup diced carrots, and 1/4 cup diced celery.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 tsp dried dill, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until fish is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill. Serve immediately while hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lake Brainerd Fish Stew take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Lake Brainerd Fish Stew?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lake Brainerd Fish Stew?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Lake Brainerd Fish Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Lake Brainerd Fish Stew?

American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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