Baking fish is a great way to make a swift and healthy meal. This is an easy oven baked fish recipe perfect for busy weeknights when you are pressed for time and want a relatively nutritious but not time consuming dinner.
It's low in fat and very high in protein full of healthy Omegas 3s. Plus it’s super easy to prep in just minutes and cooks super fast so you can have a yummy and filling meal on your table in no time. Read on to learn some steps about how to bake fish.
Ingredient To Bake Fish
If you’re ready to create a fish dish that'll have everyone asking for seconds? Let's dive into the ingredients you'll need:
Butter: The secret weapon for rich, indulgent flavor. It melts beautifully over the fish, creating a luscious base. Health-conscious cooks can opt for olive oil as a lighter alternative.
Garlic: Three big, bold cloves bring a punch of aromatic goodness. The kitchen will smell amazing as it bakes!
Lemon: One large lemon, sliced paper-thin, adds a bright, zesty kick. These slices will infuse the fish with citrusy goodness as it cooks.
White fish: Now comes the star of the show! Whether cod, tilapia, halibut, or whatever else, this recipe has room for any white fish to shine. Just remember to thaw the fillets in case they are frozen.
Salt and pepper: For only half a teaspoon, these two items manage to enhance the natural flavors in the fish.
Herb and spice blend: Use any seasonings you like. Italian seasoning, dill, thyme, rosemary, basil, and smoked paprika will merge for a mouth-watering aroma and flavor.
Minced parsley: This is optional to garnish, adding freshness to the dish with its vibrant colored green color and refreshing herbal note. The greatest garnish to complete your baked fish so that it looks just about as good as it tastes.
With all those mouthwatering ingredients all ready, it's time to start building a restaurant worthy dish. Here's how to make magic happen in your oven:
Step 1: Heat the oven
Preheat your oven to a sizzling 425°F (218°C). This high heat ensures a quick cook, locking in moisture and creating a delightful, slightly crispy exterior.
Step 2: Create your flavor base
Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a small pan, over medium heat. After it bubbles, toss 3 cloves of minced garlic in. Sizzle it for 60 seconds and let its aromatic oils release unto itself.
Now, grab that lemon and zest it directly into the butter. This infusion will give your dish a bright, citrusy kick that perfectly complements the fish.
Take your now-zested lemon and slice it thinly. Place these slices in your baking dish on a single layer at the bottom.
Don’t think this is just for appearance’s sake; as the fish bakes, these lemon slices will start to break down, and then will release their own pungent juices to lightly tinge your fish with a touch of tang.
If you prefer, you can add veggies like chopped onion, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes.
Step 4: Season the fish
Pat your 1½ pounds of white fish fillets dry with paper towels. This crucial step removes excess moisture, helping your fish achieve that perfect, slightly crispy exterior.
Season both sides generously with ½ teaspoon each of sea salt and pepper. Carefully lay your seasoned fillets on top of the lemon slices.
Now it's time to add that aromatic garlic lemon butter. Spoon or brush this liquid gold all over your fish fillets. Make sure every inch gets covered for maximum flavor impact.
Step 6: Bake the fish
Then place your dish in the oven and let it perform its 10 to 12-minute magic. Watch it – when the fish flakes with a fork, you’ll know it’s done. The exact time might vary depending on the thickness of your fillets, so trust your instincts!
Take your fish out of the oven as soon as it’s cooked to perfection. Heap a bit of fresh parsley on top. While it doesn’t just add color – parsley gives the rich, buttery fish a fresh, herbaceous note that goes perfectly with the fish.
Most fish fillets cook to perfection in 10-12 minutes in a hot 425°F (218°C) oven. If you need a nutritious dinner on the table fast during busy weeknights, this rapid cooking time is a game changer.
This depends largely on the thickness of your fish fillets. The thinner fillet may take as little as 8 minutes, the bigger cut closer to 15 minutes. As fish cooks, keep an eye out lest you overcook it.
Sometimes an instant-read thermometer is tough with a thin fillet, but it is a good reliable method if you can get the hang of it. For fully cooked fish, aim for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
Don’t worry if you don’t have a thermometer! Look for these signs:
Feel for the fish and gently poke a fork in it — the fish should flake easily.
The whole thing should be opaque and no parts should be translucent.
The flesh should be moist, tender, not dry or rubbery.
Pro Tip:
Start checking your fish at the 8-minute mark. It's better to check early than to risk overcooking. Remember, fish continue to cook slightly even after you remove it from the oven.
By baking fish, you’re doing a healthy and elegant meal. If you have a few key techniques under your belt, you can consistently achieve flaky, moist, and flavorful results.
Here are some essential tips to elevate your fish-baking game:
So if your fillets are thicker, you’ll amend your cooking time. If you are using thinner pieces, keep a very close eye on them so that they don’t overcook.
Leftovers that have been properly stored are a wonderful treat for days to come. Store them in an airtight container, keeping in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
As when reheating, to maintain moisture leftover dishes should be placed on a sheet pan (lined with aluminum foil or paper) with two tablespoons water. Place lightly on foil and bake in a 275°F oven for 15 minutes.
Cooking fish fillets in the oven is a great way to evade all that fret. This allows you to get on with other bits of your meal as well as ensures even cooking.
An instant read thermometer helps you avoid overcooking the fish. This tool helps eliminate the guesswork of when to remove your fish from the grill.
How To Store Cooked Fish
Don't let those delicious leftovers go to waste! Here's how to properly store and savor your baked fish:
Refrigeration:
Place your cooled leftover fish in an airtight container. This prevents it from engrossing other flavors in your fridge and keeps it fresh longer. Pop it in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking for best food safety practices.
Storage Duration:
Your baked fish will stay tasty and safe to eat for 2-3 days when properly refrigerated. Mark the date on the container to keep track.
Reheating Options:
1. Microwave Method: Gently reheat your fish in the microwave in case you need something quick to eat. Heat in the microwave in 30 seconds intervals – spreading it out – checking frequently so you don’t over cook it. Keep it moist adding a splash of water or lemon juice.
2. Oven Method: Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C) to reheat with a crispier texture; heat for about 15 minutes until warm.
Be sure to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when reheating fish, always.
Cold Fish Delights:
Don't feel like reheating? Cold baked fish makes an exceptional protein addition to salads or sandwiches. Try flaking it over a bed of mixed greens with some lemon vinaigrette for a light, refreshing lunch.
Flavor Boost:
Leftover fish occasionally needs a little revival. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a mist of olive oil before serving to enliven the flavorings.
