Baked Haddock with Lemon Herbs (Printable)
Tender haddock fillets baked with lemon, herbs, garlic, and a buttery topping for a healthy dinner.
# What You'll Need:
→ Fish
01 - 4 skinless, boneless haddock fillets (approximately 5 oz each)
→ Seasonings & Herbs
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 lemon, zest and juice
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
07 - 1 teaspoon salt
08 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Topping
09 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
10 - 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
# How-to Steps:
01 - Set oven to 400°F and prepare a baking dish by lining with parchment paper or lightly greasing.
02 - Pat haddock fillets dry using paper towels and arrange them in a single layer in the baking dish.
03 - Combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, parsley, dill, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
04 - Evenly brush or spoon the herb marinade over the haddock fillets ensuring full coverage.
05 - Drizzle melted butter over the fillets and sprinkle with paprika if desired.
06 - Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
07 - Plate the haddock immediately, optionally garnishing with additional fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
# Expert Pointers:
01 -
- The fish comes out impossibly tender because you're not fighting it with heat—just enough time and gentle warmth.
- You can have dinner ready in half an hour, which somehow feels like cheating on a weeknight.
- It tastes like you know what you're doing, even if you barely seasoned anything.
02 -
- Haddock is delicate, so watch the timer instead of walking away—those extra few minutes turn it from tender to tragic.
- Patting the fish dry is not optional if you want it to taste like fish and not like steam, so don't skip that step even though it feels fussy.
03 -
- Use a meat thermometer if you're nervous—haddock is done at 63°C (145°F) in the thickest part, which takes the guessing out of it.
- Don't use dried herbs instead of fresh unless you have to, because fresh herbs are what make this feel bright and alive instead of safe and predictable.