With this baked haddock recipe, you can make flaky, buttery, tender fish in just 20 minutes. It’s ready to go for your next weeknight dinner!
Nobody should think that haddock is hard to cook, and I’m going to change that false belief.
In truth, it’s a simple, mild white fish that needs minimal seasonings to shine. Because it doesn’t taste too “fishy,” it’s great if you don’t like strong flavors but still want a filling, light, healthy dinner (ask my family!) Table of Contents.
Haddock is a delicious and healthy fish that can be intimidating for home cooks to make. Many people struggle with cooking haddock so that it turns out moist, tender and flaky. Fortunately, baking haddock in the oven is one of the easiest and most foolproof cooking methods. With minimal ingredients and prep time, you can have a restaurant-quality haddock dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. This simple guide will teach you everything you need to know to cook haddock fish to perfection in the oven every time.
Benefits of Cooking Haddock in the Oven
Baking haddock in the oven has many advantages over other cooking methods
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Requires minimal preparation and ingredients. All you need is haddock fillets, butter or oil, and seasonings.
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Produces moist, flaky fish. The dry heat of the oven gently cooks the fish without drying it out.
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Infuses flavor. Basting the fish with butter or oil as it bakes keeps it moist and allows seasonings to penetrate the flesh.
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Easy to get consistent results. The controlled oven environment makes it simple to replicate delicious haddock time after time.
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Hands-off cooking. Once the haddock goes in the oven, you can focus on side dishes until it’s done.
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Saves stove space. Unlike pan frying, baking fish frees up room on the stovetop for cooking other elements of the meal.
Step-By-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked oven baked haddock every time
1. Choose Fresh or Thawed Fillets
Look for raw haddock fillets that are 4-8 ounces each and at least 1⁄2 inch thick Thicker fillets are ideal, around 1 inch Both skinless and skin-on fillets work great. If using frozen haddock, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
2. Pat the Fillets Dry
Gently pat the haddock fillets with paper towels until completely dry. This helps ensure the fish browns nicely and cooks evenly.
3. Prepare a Baking Dish
Select a shallow baking dish just large enough to fit the fillets in a single layer without overlapping. Lightly coat the dish with cooking spray or butter.
4. Brush Fillets with Butter or Oil
For maximum moisture and flavor, generously brush both sides of the haddock with melted butter or olive oil. About 2 tablespoons per fillet is ideal.
5. Season the Fish
Sprinkle both sides of the haddock fillets with desired seasonings. Kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, oregano, garlic powder and lemon juice or zest all taste delicious on haddock.
6. Arrange Fillets in the Baking Dish
Place the seasoned haddock fillets in the prepared baking dish, skin side down if using skin-on fillets. They should not overlap or touch if possible.
7. Bake Uncovered
Bake the haddock uncovered at 400°F for 15-20 minutes if the fillets are 1⁄2-inch thick or up to 30 minutes for 1-inch thick fillets.
8. Baste and Finish Baking
About halfway through baking, brush the fillets again with melted butter or oil to keep them moist. Insert a fork to check for doneness when the time is up. The haddock is done when it flakes easily and is opaque all the way through.
9. Rest, Serve and Enjoy
Let the baked haddock rest 5 minutes before serving. Dig in and enjoy your perfectly cooked, tender and flaky oven-baked haddock!
Handy Tips for Baked Haddock Success
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Baste the fillets every 5-10 minutes while baking to prevent drying out.
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Use a meat thermometer to check for 145°F internal temp when done.
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Add lemon slices, tomatoes, herbs or compound butter to the baking dish for extra flavor.
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Broil for 2-3 minutes after baking for browned, crispy tops.
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Use cod, tilapia, snapper or other white fish fillets in place of the haddock.
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Cooking time varies based on thickness. Thinner fillets may need only 10-15 minutes.
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Frozen haddock works beautifully. There’s no need to thaw before baking. Just extend cooking time 5 minutes.
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Rub fillets with mayonnaise instead of oil or butter for extra browning and crunch.
Oven-Baked Haddock Recipes to Try
Now that you know the basics, give one of these delicious oven-baked haddock recipes a try!
Simple Lemon Baked Haddock
Coat 4 haddock fillets with 2 Tbsp olive oil and seasoning salt. Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice on top and broil 2-3 minutes until browned.
Panko Crusted Baked Haddock
Brush 4 fillets with mayonnaise and coat with panko breadcrumbs. Bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes until crispy.
Mediterranean Baked Haddock
Top haddock with basil pesto, diced tomato and feta cheese before baking. Finish with a squeeze of lemon.
Parmesan Herb Baked Haddock
Mix Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, oregano, parsley and paprika. Coat fillets and bake.
Lemon Butter Baked Haddock
Baste haddock with lemon butter while baking. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh parsley.
Crispy Baked Haddock Tacos
Bake seasoned haddock coated in cornmeal. Break into chunks and serve in warm tortillas with spicy slaw.
Baked Haddock with Tomatoes and Olives
Baked haddock fillets nestled in a flavorful tomato, olive and garlic sauce. Serve over pasta or rice.
The Takeaway
Cooking haddock fish perfectly in the oven is much simpler than you think. With minimal prep time and easy-to-follow instructions, you can serve restaurant-quality baked haddock in your own kitchen. For moist, tender and flaky results every time, just remember to start with fresh or properly thawed fillets, brush them with butter or oil, and bake uncovered on a lightly greased pan until opaque. Vary the flavors with citrus, herbs and other ingredients. In no time, oven-baked haddock will become a favorite weeknight dinner!
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Why I love this recipe
- Ready in less than 20 minutes. From prep to plate, it takes barely any time!.
- Healthy and low calorie. It’s one of the healthiest ways to eat dinner because white fish, like haddock, is very low in calories and high in protein.
- Made in one dish, so I didn’t have to clean all the pans in the house, which is a plus for me.
- No marinating is required. Unlike other seafood or meat, this doesn’t need to be marinated first. That also means there’s no waiting around, either!.
★★★★★ REVIEW
“This was really very delicious!! I served it to my friend’s parents and they loved to too. ” – Lisa.
- Haddock fillets. Look for fillets that don’t have skin and are about the same size, about 6 ounces/170 grams. Also, don’t be afraid to use frozen fillets that have been thawed; I do it all the time.
- Salt and black pepper. To taste.
- Olive oil. Flavorful and rich tasting, perfect for a simple baked fish.
- Cherry tomatoes. Or grape tomatoes. I like to use a mix of yellow, orange, and red tomatoes when I can.
- Lemon. Thinly sliced with their peel intact.
- Garlic. Sliced, not minced.
- Thyme. Several sprigs to bake with the fish to make it taste even better