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Easy • Seafood

Oven-Baked Fish with Zesty Lemon-Butter Crumbs

Flaky white fish baked to perfection under a golden, crunchy topping infused with lemon zest and butter.

Prep
10 min
Cook
15 min
Servings
2
Level
Easy
Oven-Baked Fish with Zesty Lemon-Butter Crumbs

Say hello to your new favorite way to cook fish! This Oven-Baked Fish with Zesty Lemon-Butter Crumbs is incredibly easy, ridiculously flavorful, and cooks up in a flash. It's elegant enough for guests but simple enough for any weeknight, proving that seafood can be both approachable and utterly delicious.

Ingredients

Yield: 2 servings

Main

  • 2 (6 oz) white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, haddock, or snapper work well)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Step 2

    Pat fish fillets dry with paper towels. Place them in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season evenly with salt and pepper.

  3. Step 3

    In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped parsley. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.

  4. Step 4

    Spoon the lemon-butter breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of each fish fillet, gently pressing it down to adhere.

  5. Step 5

    Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your fish.

  6. Step 6

    Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh parsley and a lemon wedge if desired. Wonderful with roasted asparagus or a simple green salad.

Tips

  • Using fresh lemon zest makes a huge difference in the brightness of this dish.
  • Don't overcrowd the baking dish; ensure there's enough space around the fillets for even cooking.
  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder to the breadcrumb mixture.

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