Baked White Fish
A crispy baked white fish dish with lemon, herbs, and a crunchy cornflake topping, perfect for a quick, flavorful meal suitable for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a baking dish.
- Place the fish fillets in the dish and drizzle lemon juice over the fish.
- Sprinkle thyme, tarragon, salt, and pepper over the fish.
- Pour white wine over the fish.
- Mix crushed corn flakes with Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle the cornflake mixture over the fish.
- Bake in a 425°F oven for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter crust, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of corn flakes. If you don’t have white wine, chicken broth or vegetable broth can be a suitable substitute. For added flavor, mix in some minced garlic into the butter before melting it. To ensure even cooking, choose fillets of similar thickness and consider marinating the fish in lemon juice and herbs for a few hours prior to baking.
Serving Suggestions
Baked white fish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. For an extra touch, serve with a side of rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful juices. You might also enjoy it alongside a tangy sauce such as a lemon-dill or a homemade tartar sauce. To round out the meal, consider offering a glass of the same white wine used in the recipe.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover baked white fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, taking care not to overcook the fish, which can make it dry. Alternatively, you can microwave it on low power, covered, for a quick reheating option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked White Fish contains roughly 212 calories, with 17g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (122% of the Daily Value), iron (47% of the Daily Value), and protein (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. At about 212 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen fish fillets for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen fish fillets, but it's best to thaw them completely before baking. Place the fillets in the refrigerator overnight or submerge them in cold water for quicker thawing. Ensure they are pat dry before proceeding with the recipe to maintain the crispiness of the topping.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you're looking for a substitute for Parmesan cheese, consider using Pecorino Romano for a similar flavor profile. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free alternative that adds a cheesy flavor without the cheese. Just remember that these substitutes may slightly alter the taste, but they will still enhance the dish.
How can I tell when the fish is done cooking?
The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has turned opaque throughout. A good rule of thumb is to cook fish for about 10 minutes per inch of thickness at 425°F. You can also use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 145°F for safe eating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).