Easy Baked Fish: The Delightful Dinner Recipe for Tonight

Seafood lovers rejoice with this lightning-fast baked fish dinner recipe that promises maximum flavor in minimal time.

Weeknight cooking meets gourmet simplicity in this effortless dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.

The magic of this baked fish dinner unfolds with just a handful of fresh ingredients and minimal preparation.

Each flaky, tender bite delivers a burst of seasoned goodness that will transport you straight to coastal culinary bliss.

Tender fish emerges from the oven golden and perfectly cooked, ready to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Serve this delightful meal with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and nutritious dinner that feels like a restaurant-quality experience.

You’ll want to add this foolproof recipe to your weekly meal rotation.

Quick Baked Fish Dinner Weeknight Wonder

• Minimal prep work means you can have a gourmet-style dinner ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meal planning.
• Versatile recipe allows swapping salmon for other fish types like cod or halibut, making it adaptable to personal preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Crispy Parmesan panko topping adds delightful texture and flavor, appealing to both kids and adults who love a satisfying, golden-brown coating.
• Salmon provides heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, making this dish not just tasty but also a nutritious meal that supports overall wellness.

Ingredients for Fast Baked Fish Dinner

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh fish that serves as the star of this quick and delicious dinner.

• Butter, Garlic: Adds rich, aromatic flavor to both the fish and topping.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty element to the crispy breadcrumb topping.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Delivers a light and crispy texture to the fish coating.

• Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the salmon.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright, green garnish to the dish.
• Lemon: Citrus fruit that provides a zesty, fresh finish to the baked fish.

Must Have Equipment for Baked Fish Dinner

• Baking dish: Large, rectangular ceramic or glass dish for cooking fish.
• Mixing bowl: Medium-sized bowl for combining garlic butter and breadcrumb topping.
• Measuring spoons: For accurately measuring salt and butter amounts.
• Measuring cups: To measure panko and Parmesan precisely.
• Pastry brush: Optional tool for spreading garlic butter in dish.
• Kitchen tongs: Helpful for handling fish and transferring to serving plate.
• Instant-read thermometer: Essential for checking fish's internal temperature.
• Sharp knife: For chopping parsley and cutting lemon.
• Cutting board: Stable surface for preparing ingredients.

Quick Steps for Baking Fish Dinner

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish

Turn your oven to a toasty 425°F.

Grab a baking dish and coat the bottom with half of the delicious garlic butter mixture.

This will help prevent sticking and add extra flavor to your fish.

Step 2: Create Crispy Topping

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Mix until the ingredients are well combined and create a golden, crunchy coating.

Step 3: Prepare the Fish

Take your fish fillet and gently pat it dry with paper towels.

Sprinkle salt across the surface of the fish.

Place the fillet in the prepared baking dish, positioning it skin-side down for even cooking.

Step 4: Add Crunchy Topping

Generously spread the panko and Parmesan mixture over the fish.

Use your fingers to press the topping down lightly, ensuring it adheres to the surface.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 12-16 minutes.

The fish is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F and the topping turns a beautiful golden brown and becomes wonderfully crisp.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove the fish from the oven.

Drizzle the remaining garlic butter over the top.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve with a wedge of lemon on the side for a bright, zesty touch.

Tips for Juicy Baked Fish Fillets

• Pat salmon thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy golden breadcrumb topping.
• Press panko mixture gently but firmly onto fish to create an even, crunchy coating that adheres well during baking.
• Use a reliable meat thermometer to confirm salmon reaches 135°F for perfectly cooked, moist fish without overcooking.
• Brush remaining garlic butter after baking for an extra layer of rich, aromatic flavor that enhances the entire dish.
• Chop parsley just before serving to maintain vibrant color and release maximum fresh, zesty aromatics on the fish.

Baked Fish Dinner Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Crispy Fish: Replace panko with crushed gluten-free rice crackers or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Swap garlic butter with olive oil, add oregano, thyme, and lemon zest to breadcrumb topping for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Protein Option: Replace panko with crushed pork rinds or finely chopped nuts like almonds for a keto-friendly coating that adds crunch and protein.
• Spicy Cajun Fish: Mix cayenne pepper, paprika, and dried herbs into breadcrumb topping for a zesty, spice-packed alternative that brings bold flavor to the classic recipe.

Serving Up Baked Fish with Sides

• Zesty Citrus Companions: Serve with fresh lemon wedges to brighten the fish's rich flavor and add a tangy pop of freshness.
• Bright Green Sidekick: Pair with roasted asparagus or a crisp green salad to balance the buttery fish and provide a light, nutritious complement.
• Carb Canvas: Accompany with garlic roasted potatoes or fluffy quinoa to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce and create a complete meal.
• Wine Harmony: Select a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the richness and enhances the fish's delicate flavors.

Smart Storage for Baked Fish Leftovers

• Store leftover salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool fish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain quality and texture.
• Preheat to 275F, place fish on baking sheet, cover with foil. Warm for 10-12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145F, preventing dryness.
• Reheat on low power in 30-second intervals, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. Add small splash of water to retain moisture.

FAQs

• What type of fish works best for this recipe?

Salmon is ideal, but you can also use cod, halibut, or tilapia. Choose fresh, firm white fish fillets that will hold up well during baking.

• How do I know if the fish is cooked properly?

Check the internal temperature reaches 135°F and the fish flakes easily with a fork. The flesh should look opaque and slightly translucent in the center.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Quick Baked Fish Dinner Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delightful Mediterranean baked fish brings zesty flavors from Greece to your kitchen. Fresh herbs, lemon, and olive oil create a simple yet elegant seafood experience you can easily prepare at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 (6 ounces / 170 grams) salmon fillets

Dry Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Wet Ingredients and Herbs:

• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons minced parsley
• 4 lemon wedges

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and prepare a baking dish by coating the bottom with half of the garlic-infused butter.
2. Combine the remaining garlic butter with panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese to create a crispy topping mixture.
3. Carefully pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels and season evenly with salt.
4. Arrange the fish in the prepared baking dish, positioning skin-side down for optimal cooking.
5. Gently distribute the panko-Parmesan mixture over the fish, pressing lightly to ensure it adheres to the surface.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-16 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches 135°F and the topping turns golden and crisp.
7. Remove from the oven and drizzle with the reserved butter, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
8. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a bright, zesty accent.

Notes

• Choose firm white fish like cod or halibut as budget-friendly salmon alternatives.
• Pat fish completely dry to ensure crispy, golden breadcrumb topping without excess moisture.
• Customize breadcrumb mixture by adding herbs like thyme or dill for extra flavor complexity.
• Adjust cooking time for thinner or thicker fish fillets, checking internal temperature for perfect doneness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 485
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg