Easy Baked Fish Recipe

Baked fish is not only healthy, it is flavorful and delicious when done right. Today I am sharing my favorite recipe for baked fish. I have been using this recipe for over a decade and what I love is that it is quick and so easy to make. I use Rock fish which yields a juicy and flaky finish. Pair this with rice, sautéed veggies or your favorite garden salad and you have a delicious dinner.

Looking for more great fish recipes? Try my baked orange roughy!

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What’s Great About This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is made with simple ingredients you already have and is ready in under 30 minutes.
• Customizable: This recipe can be made to suit your taste simply by changing the fish of choice, seasoning and even the oil.
• Pairs Well: This goes so well with so many sides. I pair it with some of my soul food classics, a healthy salad or even eat it for breakfast with a warm bowl of grits.
• Healthy: I love my fried fish, but I have to admit that this is a healthier option that doesn’t compromise on taste.

What You Will Need

• Mixing Bowl: Use a small mixing bowl to mix your seasonings and a large one to place your dried fish.
• Parchment Paper: Perfect for an easy cleanup, saving even more time.
• Baking Pan: if you don’t have a baking pan, a glass baking dish will work just fine.
• Tongues: Tongue or a large fork works just as well.

Ingredients

• Rock Fish: Mild, flaky, and bakes beautifully. Rockfish holds seasoning well and stays tender when baked.
• Olive Oil: Helps seasoning stick and keeps the fish moist while baking.
• Thyme: Earthy and aromatic; makes the fish taste “seasoned” in a classic way.
• Parsley Flakes: Adds a fresh herb note and helps the finished fish look appetizing.
• Onion Powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and rounds out the seasoning.
• Garlic Powder: Gives that savory, “can’t-stop-eating” flavor without burning like fresh garlic can.
• Paprika: Adds warm color and mild smoky-sweet flavor.
• Black Pepper: Adds a little bite and depth.
• Salt: Brings out the natural flavor of the fish and balances the spices.

Substitutions and Variations

When preparing this dish, use what you have. Here are a few variations that works wonderful with this recipe.

For the Fish Try:

• Cod, haddock, pollock (mild and flaky)
• Tilapia (thin—start checking early)
• Catfish (stronger flavor but still delicious)
• Red snapper (great for a more “seafood dinner” feel)
• Salmon (richer—pairs well with thyme/paprika)

For the Oil:

• Avocado oil (neutral and high heat)
• Melted butter (richer flavor)
• Butter + olive oil (best of both)

For the Seasonings: This is where you can really customize the taste of your baked fish. Here are a few suggestions but feel free to explore different seasonings. If you find something great tag me on social media.

• Lemon Herb: add lemon zest or squeeze lemon over the fish after baking.
• Spicy Kick: add cayenne or crushed red pepper to you desired heat level.
• Cajun-Style: swap thyme/parsley for a Cajun seasoning blend (taste first—some blends are salty).
• Garlic Butter Finish: brush with melted garlic butter right after it comes out of the oven.

Watch Me Make Baked Rock Fish

Instructions

1) Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Line a baking pan with parchment paper (easy cleanup and prevents sticking).

2) Make the Seasoning Blend

In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and parsley flakes then mix until well combined.

3) Oil the Fish

Make sure your fish is cleaned and thoroughly dried (this helps the oil and seasoning cling). Place fish in a bowl and drizzle with 3 tbsp olive oil. Toss gently until each piece is coated.

4) Season Generously

Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the fish. Coat all sides so every bite is flavorful.

5) Bake

Place fish on the lined baking pan. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F at the thickest part.

Pro Tips for Moist, Flaky Fish

• Dry the fish well before oiling—wet fish can steam and turn soft instead of flaky.
• If your fillets are thin, start checking around 12–15 minutes.
• If your pieces are thicker, you may need 22–25 minutes.

What to Pair With Baked Rockfish

Classic Soul Food Sides:

These classic sides go great with baked fish. For more classic soul food be sure to stop by my Soul Food Hub Page.

• Collard greens
• Mac and cheese
• Candied yams
• Cornbread

Light and Fresh Pairings

• Rice and steamed veggies
• Roasted asparagus
• Simple side salad or Potato Salad
• Roasted potatoes

Sauces That Work Great

• Tartar sauce
• Cocktail sauce
• Remoulade
• Lemon butter sauce
• Hot sauce (of course)

How to Store and Reheat

To Store

• Let your fish cool, then store in an airtight container.
• Refrigerator: up to 3 days (best texture within 2 days).
• Freezer: up to 2 months (us a freezer bag and wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn).

To Reheat (Without Drying It Out)

• Oven: 300°F for 8–12 minutes, covered loosely with foil.
• Air fryer: 320°F for 4–6 minutes (check early).
• Microwave: low power in 30-second bursts (use a damp paper towel over it to help keep moisture).

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