This 15-minute baked white fish dinner recipe is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Ideal for any mild white fish!
My family loves seafood so when my husband recently requested white fish for dinner, I was happy to oblige.
What is whitefish?
Whitefish is not a specific fish but more of a type of fish that is mild in flavor and low in fat and is typically inexpensive.
Types of whitefish available:
There are a number of white fishes that are available. The ones I usually recommend are cod, haddock, and tilapia grouper or snapper. These options would all work well.
How to avoid making a dry whitefish:
A great way to lock in the juices and avoid ending up with dry, overcooked, bland fish is by mixing herbs, garlic, and lemon zest into softened butter and spreading it over the whitefish before baking.
To add moisture and even more flavor, I top each fish filet with thin slices of lemon. Not only does it serve a purpose by locking in the juices but it turns a simple dinner into a total showstopper- fancy enough for entertaining.
What temperature should whitefish be cooked at?
350 degrees as you want the fish to cook gradually
How long should whitefish be cooked for?
Depending on the temperature of your oven it should be cooked for 15 to 20 minutes.
I love to sprinkle additional fresh herbs on top right before serving. While you can discard the baked lemon slices, I like to leave them on in case anyone wishes to squeeze on more lemon.
More lemon is always a good idea when it comes to seafood, am I right?
This recipe is very versatile and great for whatever fresh fish you can get your hands on. If you’re looking for other Tilapia options check out my Baked Tilapia with Sun Dried Tomatoes post.
Your fork is waiting.
📖 Recipe
Lemon Butter Baked White Fish
Ingredients
- 4 6-ounce white fish fillets (such as tilapia, cod or whitefish )
- 1/4 cup butter (unsalted, softened)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons minced herbs (such as parsley, oregano, basil)
- 1 lemon (zested and thinly sliced)
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a small bowl mix together softened butter with garlic, salt, pepper, minced herbs and lemon zest.
- Spray a baking dish with cooking spray and place fish fillets in a single layer.
- Brush butter mixture evenly on top of fish then top with lemon slices.
- Bake until fish flakes easily with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
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Nutrition:
Want more delicious seafood recipes? Check out my Pinterest board!
Adina
I just made this and we both loved it! Amazing recipe, we followed exactly and turned out great
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so glad you enjoyed it Adina!!! Let me know if you try any other recipes of mine!
Amber
Excellent, Excellent, Excellent! Make no changes to this recipe- it’s perfect as is, and the whole family loved it! My favorite part: So quick & easy to make! A side of wild rice made this a dinnertime hit! It’s perfect for busy, mid-week dinners when you need something quick, but want something homemade!
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Liz Fisher
1 gram of protein for 1 fillet??
Liz DellaCroce
Sorry about that Liz – glitch in the system but it’s been fixed! Good catch!
Toni
This looks amazing! I love how easy this is to make!
Lindsay Cotter
This needs to happen soon for dinner! Looks so delicious!
Lisa Grant
Such a simple and delicious fish recipe perfect for dinner!
Dorothy Reinhold
I could eat a meal like this every single day! I love the fresh and simple ingredients.