If you need to make dinner quickly, this simple fish baked in the oven is perfect. Ready to serve in 20 minutes, it’s a great healthy dinner recipe that the whole family will love.
Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the recipe card at the bottom of the post. You can find important tips/tricks in theblog post.
Fish is one of our favorite meals every week because it’s easy to make and full of good things for you like Omega-3s and low fat. My air fryer is my favorite way to cook fish, but the oven is great for bigger portions.
This simple fish recipe baked in the oven is so easy to make that it’s perfect for after a long, busy day. It’s easy to prepare and quick to cook, so you can have a tasty, healthy, and filling dinner in no time.
Cooking fish at home can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! With the right techniques and recipes, fish can be one of the easiest and quickest proteins to prepare for a delicious weeknight meal. In this article, we’ll cover what makes a fish easy to cook, provide tips for foolproof fish cooking, and share some of our favorite easy fish recipes to get you started.
What Makes a Fish Easy to Cook?
When it comes to cooking fish, the most important factor in determining ease is the structure and texture of the fillet. Fishes like cod, tilapia, halibut and salmon are considered some of the easiest to cook because they have a firm yet flaky texture that holds up well to common cooking methods like baking, sautéing, broiling and grilling.
Here are some characteristics that make a fish easy to cook
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Thick firm fillets – Thin, delicate fillets are more prone to overcooking and falling apart. Look for cuts that are at least 1 inch thick.
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Mild flavor – Fish with a neutral or mildly sweet flavor take well to a variety of seasonings and flavors.
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Flaky texture – Fish that flakes into tender chunks when cooked makes for beautiful fillet servings.
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Wide availability – Fish like tilapia and cod are farmed in abundance, making them budget-friendly options.
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Skinless fillets – While fish skin can get deliciously crispy, skinless cuts eliminate the risk of skin sticking to the pan or overcooking.
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Quick cooking time – 10 minutes or less! Fish cooks quickly, so you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
Tips for Foolproof Fish Cooking
Follow these simple tips for perfect fish fillets every time:
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Pat dry – Make sure fillets are as dry as possible before cooking. Gently pat with paper towels to absorb excess moisture so the fish browns rather than steams.
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Use fatty fish for grilling – The natural oils in fattier fish like salmon and trout help prevent sticking to the grill grates. Lean fish benefit from a light brush of oil.
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Watch temperatures – Fish overcooks quickly. Use an instant-read thermometer to monitor doneness, removing from heat at 145°F. The temperature will continue rising as it rests.
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Prevent sticking – Heat oil or butter in the pan before adding fish. Nonstick pans also help. Consider a fish grill basket for grilling.
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Turn gently – Fish fillets are delicate. Use a thin spatula to gently flip halfway through cooking.
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Allow resting time – Let fish rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking so juices redistribute evenly throughout the flesh.
Top 5 Easiest Fish to Cook
Here are 5 of our favorite easy, foolproof options:
1. Cod
This white, flaky fish has a neutral flavor and substantial texture that won’t fall apart. It’s perfect for baking, broiling, sautéing, and grilling. Try it in fish tacos!
2. Salmon
Salmon is buttery and rich in healthy omega-3s. The medium-firm fillets hold up well to almost any cooking method. Brush with oil or marinate before grilling.
3. Tilapia
With mild taste and firm flesh, tilapia cooks quickly. It’s budget-friendly and versatile – great in burritos, tacos, soups and curries as well as baked or blackened.
4. Halibut
The extra-firm yet flaky texture of halibut makes it perfect for searing and sautéing. It has a sweet, buttery flavor that’s delicious with just a squeeze of lemon.
5. Mahi Mahi
This lean white fish has a slightly sweet flavor, firm fillets and cooks in just minutes. Broil, bake, grill or pan sear – it’s hard to mess up!
Go-To Easy Fish Recipes
Once you have a sense for the easiest fish to cook, try out a few of these incredibly simple, foolproof recipes:
Easy Lemon-Butter Baked Cod
Coat cod fillets with lemon juice, butter and breadcrumbs, then bake until flaky – dinner in under 30 minutes!
Parchment-Baked Fish & Veggies
Bake fish and vegetables wrapped neatly in parchment for easy cleanup and perfect doneness.
Broiled Salmon with Asparagus
Broil seasoned salmon alongside fresh asparagus spears for a complete meal in 10 minutes flat.
Blackened Tilapia Tacos
Brush tilapia fillets with spicy blackening seasoning, pan-sear, and serve in warm tortillas.
Sautéed Halibut with Lemon-Caper Butter
Pan-sear halibut in garlic butter, then top with briny capers and fresh lemon juice.
Grilled Mahi Mahi with Pineapple Salsa
Get big flavor fast from zesty homemade salsa spooned over easy grilled mahi mahi.
Cooking fish at home is easier than you think with a few smart strategies – choose an inherently easy fish, nail down basic cooking techniques, and try some simple, foolproof recipes. In no time, you can be serving delicious baked cod, broiled salmon, seared halibut, and more for quick, impressive weeknight meals. Don’t be intimidated by fish – give one of these easy recipes a try tonight!
Can you use frozen fish?
When it comes to fish fillets, I like fresh ones better, but frozen ones will also work. Before you season and bake them, make sure they are completely defrosted and pat dry to get rid of any extra water that might make them soggy.
What’s the best fish to use?
But salmon will also work well. I like to use white fish like cod, tilapia, or halibut in this recipe. It’s best to use fairly thick fillets that will stay nice and moist when they are baked. You can use fish with the skin on, but I like skinless because this method doesn’t make the skin crispy.
Easiest Fish recipe ever
What are the best fish recipes?
This list of best fish recipes will delight fish lovers and fish skeptics alike! From the perfect, never-dry salmon to flaky baked cod with bold Greek flavors, trout piccata, saucy fish soups, and more. Plus, tips for how to cook fish perfectly every time!
How can I prepare fish for kids?
This is really dependent on the personal preference of your children. Some children will eat fish the same way adults do for others you may need to make this more interesting by creating things like homemade fishcakes, fish burger patties, fish balls or by adding this to toast or even pasta. Involving your children in the preparation and cooking process can also encourage them to consume the fish.
What to eat with baked fish?
Try baked fish with bright green herbaceous pesto or fish tacos with a creamy, zingy sauce. Mix up a tasty poke bowl, or even grab a quick and easy tuna sandwich. There’s something for everyone in this list! And now…our top fish recipes to try! Baked fish might sound a bit pedestrian…until you’ve tried this Mediterranean baked fish recipe!
What are the best easy seafood recipes?
The recipes below include fish and shellfish like salmon, shrimp, scallops, tilapia, cod, and tuna. Each recipe is healthy, relatively easy to make, and full of flavor. There’s a little something for everyone, from shrimp fried rice to pesto salmon to perfectly seared scallops to fish tacos. Let’s get to it! And now…our best easy seafood recipes!