Description
This easy and flavorful baked haddock recipe features tender fillets topped with a zesty lemon and garlic butter mixture, baked to flaky perfection. A quick 20-minute meal ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner that pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables or rice.
Ingredients
For the Haddock
- 4 haddock fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1-2 lemons, sliced (for layering)
For the Lemon Garlic Butter
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon grated garlic (2-3 cloves)
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to ensure it’s hot enough to cook the haddock evenly and quickly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lay lemon slices in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish to provide a citrus base for the haddock and prevent sticking.
- Arrange Haddock: Place the haddock fillets on top of the lemon slices in a single layer, leaving space between each fillet for even cooking.
- Make Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, lemon juice, grated garlic, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth.
- Apply Mixture: Spread the lemon garlic butter evenly over the top of each haddock fillet to infuse flavor and keep the fish moist while baking.
- Bake: Bake the fillets in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped parsley over the fillets for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Pat the haddock fillets completely dry with paper towels before cooking to avoid excess moisture which can affect texture.
- Check for doneness by ensuring the fish changes from translucent to opaque and flakes easily with a fork. A thermometer reading of 145°F in the thickest part confirms it is cooked through.
- Leave space between fillets in the pan to allow heat circulation for even cooking. Overcrowding may result in unevenly cooked fish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
