Italian Baked Fish
A flavorful Italian-inspired baked fish dish featuring lemon butter, bread crumbs, and simple seasoning, perfect for a quick, elegant, and family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a saucepan and add lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce.
- Dip the fish fillets in the lemon butter sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Roll the fillets in bread crumbs and place them in a baking dish.
- Bake uncovered at 400°F for 20 minutes, basting once with lemon butter during cooking.
- Do not overcook.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use fresh whitefish, but frozen works too if thawed properly. You can substitute the butter with olive oil for a lighter option. If you prefer a bit more flavor, add minced garlic or fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the lemon butter sauce. Make sure to keep an eye on the fish while baking to avoid overcooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Italian Baked Fish with a side of Quick Italian Asparagus for a colorful and nutritious plate. A light salad or some roasted vegetables would also complement the dish nicely. Drizzle any remaining lemon butter sauce over the fish for added flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover baked fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the fish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the fish rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Baked Fish contains roughly 40 calories, with 1g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of iron (13% of the Daily Value).
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 other types of fish for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other firm white fish such as cod, haddock, or tilapia. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets to ensure they don’t overcook.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the fish, dip it in the lemon butter sauce, and roll it in breadcrumbs a few hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking.
What can I serve with Italian Baked Fish?
This dish goes well with a variety of sides. Consider pairing it with a light pasta dish like Baked Italian Macaroni or a simple green salad. Crusty bread can also be a great addition to soak up the lemon butter sauce.
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).