While many home cooks turn to chicken for their go-to protein, we want to spotlight another fantastic option: fish! If you’re intimidated by seafood, don’t be. Topped simply with butter and a few spices, this easy baked fish is moist, flaky and perfectly tender.
Why we love this fast baked fish: Because it cooks in minutes, you can get dinner on the table in a flash; baked fish recipes offer plenty of protein and healthy omega-3 fats; and best of all, this recipe is versatile, matching with just about any starches and quick and easy sides you like, any time of year.
When it comes to buying and cooking fish, you need to keep a few things in mind. The secret to good seafood recipes is to use a fresh product. No matter what kind of fish you buy, stay away from fish with slimy texture, strong odors or any discoloration. If the fish is packaged, it should be tightly wrapped with no space between the fish and wrapping, and no liquid in the package. Frozen fish should be frozen solid; the package should not contain ice crystals or discoloration. From there, this recipe is a breeze!
Ingredients for Baked Fish
- Fish fillets: The best type of fish for baking are flaky white fish, such as tilapia, halibut, cod, bass, grouper, haddock, catfish or snapper. White fish doesn’t always mean that the fish is literally white in color; it is a category of mild-flavored, quick-cooking fish. You can use fresh or frozen fillets. For the best flavor, use fish within a day or two of buying or defrosting.
- Butter: Melted butter adds both fat and flavor to the lean fish. You can substitute other types of fat, such as olive oil or vegan butter.
- Herbs and spices: Seasoned salt, paprika and pepper make an all-purpose flavor for the fish that will match any side dish. Since white fish is so mild, there’s plenty of room to play with spices—find some more ideas below.
Directions
Step 1: Season the fish
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the fish in a greased 11×7-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with seasoned salt, pepper and, if desired, paprika. Drizzle the melted butter over the fillets.
Step 2: Bake the fish
Cover with foil and bake until the fish just begins to flake easily with a fork, 15 to 20 minutes. If desired, top the fillets with additional butter, fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon before serving.
Editor’s tip: Always start to check the fish for doneness on the early side of the estimated cook time, as overcooked fish can be a bit tough.
Recipe Variations
- Change up the spices: Mild-tasting white fish works with virtually any seasoning, from Old Bay seasoning to smoked paprika. Try fresh herbs, such as parsley, basil or tarragon, paired with a generous squeeze of lemon and olive oil. Most sauces, such as chimichurri and pesto, taste delicious spooned over the fish. Curry powder and turmeric take the fish in a fragrant, Indian-inspired direction, while Italian seasoning adds a punch of fresh flavor.
- Add a crunch: Sprinkle bread crumbs (or your favorite substitute for bread crumbs) over the fish before baking for a quick crispy coating. Chopped nuts, like almonds or walnuts, are tasty, too.
- Top with vegetables: You can bake vegetables right in the pan with the fish. Quick-cooking vegetables are best: Think juicy tomatoes (cherry or sliced whole), olives, capers, slim asparagus spears or sliced zucchini.
How to Store Baked Fish
Leftover baked fish should be kept in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container for up to two days. Leftover fish is tasty gently reheated, but it’s also tasty cold: Consider serving it as a main-dish salad, sandwich or wrap.
Baked Fish Tips
How can you tell when the fish is finished cooking?
To test the doneness of baked fish, carefully pierce the thickest portion of the fillet with a fork and twist slightly to see if it flakes. If it does not, cook it a few minutes longer. If it feels so firm or tough that it’s difficult to flake, then it’s probably overcooked, which is a common mistake when cooking fish. Next time, keep a closer eye! Overcooked fish is still fine to eat; just add a bit more sauce (or a quick drizzle of olive oil or mayonnaise) to add moisture.
Do you flip fish when baking?
Because white fish is delicate and cooks quickly, flipping isn’t necessary when baking. When cooking fish in a skillet, you usually do flip the fish, so it cooks evenly.
What can you serve with baked fish?
Baked fish pairs well with just about anything! A good template for a full meal is to serve baked fish with just about any vegetable side dishes. Think steamed broccoli, green beans or sauteed zucchini. Baked fish makes a filling protein on top of a bowl of pasta with your favorite pasta sauce recipes; perhaps with a green salad on the side. Serve baked fish inside tortillas with smashed avocado, shredded lettuce and salsa for light fish tacos.
