Baked Haddock in Lemon Butter

I have fallen in love with haddock baked in lemon butter. Cod can be used as well especially since today you can buy large thick cod fillets once again. Make sure you have the fish department allow you to smell the fillet before you buy. It is not worth buying a piece of fish that has been sitting around for a little while.

Ingredients:

Large fillet of fresh haddock (never frozen) skinned

1 large lemon - zest and juice

1-2 Tbsp. seasoned or unseasoned Panko crumbs

pinch of cayenne pepper

1 garlic clove mashed or use 1 teaspoon of the tubed garlic mash (found in the produce section of your grocery store)

pinch of salt & pepper

2 Tbsp. softened butter - I prefer Keri-gold

1 teaspoon fresh parsley - chopped

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 or 350 degrees. If your oven runs hot set it for 325 degrees.

Begin by washing the fish fillet in cold water - then pat it dry with a paper towel.

Season lightly with salt and black pepper.

Place the fish into a shallow baking dish, omelette pan or sheet pan.

In a small bowl add the softened butter, the cayenne pepper, garlic along with the lemon zest and half the lemon juice. Mix to incorporate.

Quick Tip - If you have a large fillet you might want to juice a second lemon.

When the oven reaches the proper temperature add the butter mixture over the top of the fish and spread evenly like a paste. Finish by sprinkling a layer of Panko crumbs over the top.

Place the fish into the oven uncovered for 10-12 minutes OR you may place the pan under the broiler for 10 minutes. Be sure to place the rack in the middle part of your oven and not up top so as to prevent burning. This is my favorite way to do this recipe; however, if you are not comfortable using the broiler please bake as described.

Remove the fish from the oven. If the fish seems to not be done (is still firm) you can if you wish and add more lemon juice on top and a little more butter or olive oil and finish cooking until you reach your desired temp - maybe 2-3 minutes more depending on the thickness of your fish fillet.

The fish when properly cooked should be nice and flaky.

Quick Tip - this recipe will work well on either fresh salmon or pollock.

Sprinkle a light layer of fresh parsley over the top before serving.

My favorite side dish for baked haddock is spinach - just slightly sauteed.

ENJOY!