If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and healthy seafood dish, this Fast Baked Fish with Bread Crumbs and Herbs is the perfect choice. With its crispy golden topping and flavorful herb seasoning, this dish delivers a restaurant-quality experience right from your oven.
Baked fish is a fantastic weeknight dinner option because it’s light, easy to prepare, and packed with nutrients. The combination of crispy breadcrumbs, fresh herbs, and tender fish fillets creates a meal that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Plus, this recipe takes less than 30 minutes, making it a time-saving, family-friendly favorite.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
✅ The best types of fish to use
✅ Step-by-step instructions for a perfect crispy crust
✅ Pro tips to enhance the flavor
✅ Serving suggestions and side dishes
Let’s get started!
📌 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes!
✔ Healthy & Nutritious – A great source of lean protein and omega-3s.
✔ Crispy & Flavorful – The perfect blend of breadcrumbs, garlic, and herbs.
✔ Versatile – Works with different types of white fish like cod, tilapia, or halibut.
✔ Family-Friendly – A mild, delicious taste that even picky eaters will enjoy.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delicious baked fish recipe, you’ll need:
For the Fish:
- 4 white fish fillets (cod, halibut, tilapia, or haddock)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crispy Breadcrumb Topping:
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
📌 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
Step 2: Prepare the Fish
- Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Brush both sides with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Step 3: Make the Breadcrumb Topping
- In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, garlic, lemon zest, parsley, and oregano.
- Stir well until the mixture is evenly coated with butter.
Step 4: Coat the Fish
- Press the breadcrumb mixture onto the top of each fillet, making sure it sticks well.
- Arrange the fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden & Crispy
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- For extra crispiness, broil for the last 1-2 minutes until the topping turns golden brown.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
📌 Best Types of Fish for This Recipe
This breadcrumb herb topping works best with mild-flavored white fish, such as:
🐟 Cod – Flaky, firm, and slightly sweet.
🐟 Halibut – Mild and meaty with a buttery texture.
🐟 Tilapia – Affordable and tender, great for absorbing flavors.
🐟 Haddock – Delicate and slightly sweet, similar to cod.
📌 Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Fish
✔ Pat the fish dry before seasoning to help the breadcrumbs stick.
✔ Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones for extra crunch.
✔ Don’t overbake – Fish cooks quickly and should be moist and tender inside.
✔ Add a drizzle of olive oil before baking to enhance crispiness.
✔ Broil at the end for a golden, crunchy topping.
🍽️ What to Serve with Baked Fish?
This dish pairs perfectly with:
🥗 Light Salad – A fresh garden or Caesar salad adds balance.
🥦 Steamed Veggies – Try roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans.
🍚 Rice or Quinoa – A great way to make it a complete meal.
🥔 Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and buttery, perfect with crispy fish.
📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen fish?
Yes! Just thaw the fish completely and pat it dry before baking.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to keep it crispy.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs.
4. Can I use different herbs?
Yes! Fresh basil, dill, or thyme all work great in this recipe.
5. Can I air-fry this recipe?
Yes! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes in an air fryer for a crispy, healthier version.
🎉 Final Thoughts
This Fast Baked Fish with Bread Crumbs and Herbs is the perfect weeknight dinner—crispy, flavorful, and easy to make! Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a healthy, quick meal, this recipe is sure to impress.
Give it a try, and let us know how it turns out! Happy cooking!
