You can make this Oven Baked Fish Recipe quickly and easily during the week. It tastes great and is easy to make.
Making dinner during the week can be such a hassle when we have so much else going on. It’s so fun to come home, preheat the oven, season some white fish, and bake it while I do other things.
Simple seasonings and classic additions like lemon and butter to make this dish super flavorful. You don’t have to make a special trip to the store to change it up. Just use what you already have on hand.
Since I don’t have to do much during the short cooking time, I can make some sides, grab a glass of wine, or do something else that doesn’t involve cooking.
But mainly, grabbing a glass of wine. White wine goes well with fish, in case you were wondering!
This is my favorite way to cook fish because it always turns out right, and dinner is ready in 15 to 20 minutes, which is great for busy nights when we just need dinner quickly! This helps us stay healthier because we don’t have to go through the drive-through or order takeout or delivery.
To make our meal plan more healthy, we try to include fish at least once a week. Baking it with the lemon-butter mixture ensures it is tender, flaky, and full of flavor!.
If you’re into fish dinners, try my Balsamic Glazed Salmon. If you are just into the lemon flavor, you’ll love my Lemon Butter Chicken, too!.
Cooking fish can seem intimidating, especially if you’re new to the kitchen Undercook it and it’s rubbery and raw. Overcook it and it’s dry and flavorless Thankfully, there’s an easy way to get perfect, flaky fish every time – just cook it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to master baking fish, including ideal internal temperatures, approximate cook times, and tips for checking doneness. Read on to become a fish baking pro!
Why 350 Degrees is the Magic Number
When it comes to baking fish, 350 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature. Here’s why:
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It’s hot enough to cook the fish all the way through without burning or drying it out. Lower temperatures may lead to undercooked fish.
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It allows the outside to get golden and crisp while the inside gently steams and stays moist, Higher temperatures can make the exterior tough
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It’s suitable for most thicknesses and types of fish. The cooking time just needs to be adjusted based on the size of the fillet.
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It creates light, even browning through Maillard reactions, enhancing flavor
So by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F and using the guidelines below, you’ll get tender, flaky fish cooked to perfection every time.
Estimated Cook Times at 350 Degrees
The cooking time can vary considerably based on the size and thickness of the fish. Here are some general guidelines for common types and cuts of fish:
- Thin fillets (1/2 inch thick or less), like tilapia, flounder, or sole – 8-12 minutes
- Thicker fillets (3/4 to 1 inch thick), like salmon, cod, halibut, or mahi mahi – 12-18 minutes
- Very thick steaks or fillets (over 1 inch) like tuna, swordfish, etc. – 18-25 minutes
- Small whole fish (1 lb or less) – 15-20 minutes
- Medium whole fish (1-2 lbs) – 20-30 minutes
- Large whole fish (over 2 lbs) – 30-40 minutes
The best way to check for doneness is using an instant-read thermometer (more on that below). But these cook times should give you an approximate range to start with. Monitor the fish carefully and adjust the time up or down as needed.
Checking for Doneness
Rather than relying solely on cook times, checking the internal temperature is the best way to determine when your fish is perfectly cooked. Use an instant-read thermometer to test the thickest part of the fillet. Here are the ideal internal temperatures:
- 130°F for rare
- 140°F for medium rare
- 145°F for medium (most common for fish)
- 160°F for well done
In addition to temperature, you can do a visual check for doneness. The flesh should turn from translucent to opaque and flake easily with a fork when it’s ready. If it’s still tinted red or pink inside, it likely needs a bit more time.
Err on the side of slightly undercooked when in doubt. Fish continues cooking from residual heat after being removed from the oven. A thin fillet of fish might increase 5 degrees Fahrenheit after baking.
Tips for Perfect Oven Baked Fish
Follow these tips to help ensure your fish turns out moist and delicious when cooked at 350 degrees:
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Pat fish dry – Blot fish fillets with paper towels before baking to remove excess moisture that can inhibit browning.
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Use a light coating – Brush or drizzle fish lightly with oil or melted butter to prevent sticking and encourage browning without making it greasy.
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Watch the seasonings – Go easy on salty seasonings like soy sauce or teriyaki as they draw out moisture. Lemon, herbs, garlic, pepper, and other aromatics are great.
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Get the pan hot – Preheat the pan or baking sheet in the oven first, especially if using a delicate fish like sole or flounder.
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Use a thermometer – Invest in an instant-read digital thermometer for the most reliable doneness testing.
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Account for carryover cooking – Remember fish keeps cooking once removed from the oven. For flaky fish, target 145°F and it will coast up to 150°F, no problem.
Alternative Temperatures and Methods
While 350 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for most fish fillets, you can also use different oven temperatures or cooking methods. Here are a few to try:
Lower Temp (325°F) – Use for delicate fish like sole where a gentler heat prevents drying out. Add 5 minutes to the cook time.
High Temp (375-400°F) – Best for fish that benefit from a crispy exterior like salmon or catfish. Reduce cook time by 2-3 minutes.
Broiling – Ideal for getting a nice char. Keep a close eye to avoid burning and flip halfway through.
Grilling – Gives great smoky flavor. Works best for thicker, sturdy fish that won’t stick. Cooks fast.
Poaching – Submerge fish in a flavorful hot liquid like wine or broth. Keeps fish extra moist.
Stovetop – Pan sear or sauté over medium-high heat for a crispy crust. Then finish cooking through in the oven.
So try experimenting with different techniques and choose the one that fits the type of fish you’re cooking and your desired texture best.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re still feeling a little shaky on the specifics, here are answers to some common fish baking questions:
How long should I bake a 1-inch thick salmon fillet at 350 degrees?
About 15-18 minutes.
I’m cooking a whole 2 lb snapper. How long at 350 degrees?
30-35 minutes should do it.
Can I bake a fish en papillote (wrapped in parchment) at 350 degrees?
Absolutely! Standard cook times apply.
Should I flip the fish halfway through baking it?
Flipping is unnecessary. Fish cooks effectively from the bottom heating the pan.
Is it ok to bake fish on a sheet pan or should I use a baking dish?
Either works fine, just ensure it’s oven safe. Line it for easier cleanup.
Can I reheat leftover baked fish in the oven at 350 degrees?
Yes, though the microwave is ideal for maintaining moisture.
Get Comfortable with Baking Fish
Now that you know how long it takes to cook fish at the ideal temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit, you can relax and enjoy perfectly done fish for dinner any night of the week. Refer back to this guide for approximate cook times, doneness cues, and baking tips.
With a little practice, you’ll become completely comfortable preparing moist, flaky baked fish in your own oven. Master this simple method, and you may find yourself eating fish more often to reap the many health benefits. So turn on your oven, grab a piece of fresh fish, and get baking!
Recipe Ingredients and Possible Substitutes
The full list of ingredients and quantities is found in the printable recipe card below.
Kylee’s Notes & FAQs
You can use a baking sheet with a rim instead of a baking dish if you don’t have one.
In the dish where the fish is baking, put the used lemons. You can also cut them up and put them on top of the fish.
If you’d rather, you could mix the melted butter, lemon zest, and spices together and pour it over the top. I like the seasonings to kind of stick to the fish, but it’s entirely up to you.
If you do go that route, a little white wine in the mix never hurt anyone either!
What to serve with Oven Baked Fish
I like this fresh green bean recipe, but I would add some lemon wedges and parsley. I would also like some kind of starch. You’ll love these honey mustard roasted potatoes or my favorite mashed potato recipe.
Substitutions/Additions
You can leave out the garlic and onion powder and simply season with salt and pepper.