Oven Baked Rockfish With Lemon Butter

Oven baked rockfish with lemon butter is a light, fresh, and delicious fish recipe excellent for warm spring or summer meals. Rockfish, also known as lined bass, is a mild white fish that bakes up tender and crisp. 

The lemon butter sauce is an easy elegant topping that brightens the dish. In only 30 minutes, you can appreciate a healthy dinner of moist fish fillets coated in a bright, acidic sauce. The fresh lemon juice and butter enhance the mild taste of the fish, complementing it beautifully. 

This easy-baked fish recipe authorizes the natural flavor of the rockfish to shine through while getting boosts of brightness from the lemon and rich creaminess from the butter. It’s the ideal weekday meal solution for those who want an amazing yet simple fish dinner ready in less than an hour.

What Is Rockfish?

Rockfish is a combination of fish that is also normally known as striped bass. Belonging to the temperate bass family, rockfish have dark-spotted stripes that run lengthwise along their bodies. They can naturally grow to 2-3 feet in length and weigh between 2-15 pounds. 

Found along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of North America, rockfish are bottom-dwelling fish that populate inshore waters, inlets, estuaries, and offshore reefs. They are a vital commercial and recreational fish species. Rockfish have soothing, sweet, and tender white flesh. They can be equipped in many ways including baking, frying, and grilling.

Read More: “14 Ways To Get Rid Of Pesky Fish Smells In Your House After Cooking”

The Culinary Term Rockfish

In culinary terms, “rockfish” refers to different species of fish that are components of the Sebastes genus. While most commonly representing striped bass on the East Coast of the United States, the term rockfish can also refer to other species like red rockfish and black rockfish on the West Coast. 

Rockfish have delicate white fillets that flake nicely when cooked. They are low in fat and high in protein, making them a healthy and sustainable seafood choice. Ingredient lists and menus may use the broader term “rockfish” when different Sebastes species are processed or served together.

Is Rockfish Ever Served Whole?

Yes, rockfish is occasionally served whole, though I prefer fillets. Whole fish contains bones, tough skin, and waste, while fillets remove these for an easy-to-eat and healthy baked meal.

Because of their large adult size, rockfish are seldom served whole like some smaller fish. 

However, for special occasions, some restaurants will display a whole roasted or grilled rockfish that can weigh several pounds. Serving a big striped bass or related rockfish whole is an impressive sight on a plate, but fillets are a more practical choice for most home cooks and diners.

What Fish Can Be Substituted For Rockfish?

When rockfish is unavailable, some other mild whitefish make good alternatives in recipes.

Cod: A popular default substitute, cod has a similar texture and flavor profile.

Haddock: Another common North Atlantic fish that bakes up delicately.

Sea bass: Similar in appearance, this Mediterranean fish has sweet flesh.

Halibut: A flaky and more buttery option though usually more expensive.

Tilapia: A versatile and mild farmed fish available year-round.

Catfish: A budget-friendly freshwater fish choice for the South.

While some mention trout, catfish and skate, I omitted these, as the fish in my list can all be easily filleted into attractive, edible, white chunks for this recipe.

Oven Baked Rockfish With Lemon Butter – The Ingredients

Oven Baked Rockfish With Lemon Butter – The Ingredients

Rockfish Fillets:

4 (6 ounce) rockfish or striped bass fillets.

Lemon Butter Sauce:

1/3 cup butter, softened

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon lemon zest

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Other:

Olive oil

Parsley, chopped for garnish

This simple recipe only requires a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients. Fresh rockfish fillets are topped with a quick lemon butter blending butter, citrus and seasoning. Baked until flaky, it’s a light, bright fish dinner ready in less than 30 minutes.

Recipe Equipment Needed

Baking Dish – A medium-sized oven-safe baking dish is needed to arrange the rockfish fillets in for baking. Glass or ceramic work well.

Whisk – Use a small whisk to blend the lemon butter sauce ingredients smoothly.

Knife – A sharp knife is necessary to zest the lemon and mince the garlic for the sauce.

Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurately measuring out the sauce ingredients.

cutting board – To prepare the lemon zest and minced garlic.

Oven – Bake the coated fish fillets in a preheated 350°F oven until opaque and flakes easily.

Tongs – Help turn and remove the baked fillets from the oven without breaking them.

That covers the essential tools for this simple recipe. With just a baking dish, whisk and basic measuring/prep tools, you’ll be ready to create a light and bright baked fish dinner.

Preparing My Rockfish Fillets For Baking

I gently rinse my rockfish fillets and pat dry them with paper towels. Lightly brush each side with olive oil, I season them simply with salt and pepper. Arranging the fillets in a baking dish, I top each with a spoonful of the lemon butter sauce before sliding into the preheated oven.

Adding The Lemon Butter

After seasoning the fillets, I blend the softened butter with lemon zest, juice and garlic until combined. Spreading this bright sauce evenly over each fillet adds remarkable moisture and flavor to bake the flaky white fish. The burst of lemon perfectly complements the sweet, mild rockfish.

How Do I Keep My Rockfish Fish Fillets From Drying Out While Cooking?

To keep my rockfish fillets moist while baking, I lightly coat them in olive oil before topping them with a lemony butter sauce. The butter baste creates a protective barrier to seal in juices. Baking in a covered dish also retains more moisture inside the oven. Removing the fillets when they’re just flaky ensures they don’t overcook and dry out.

What Is The Best Temperature For Baking Rockfish Fillets?

• Preheat oven to 350°F for even, gentle cooking.
• Pat fillets dry and brush with olive oil to prevent sticking.
• Season simply with salt and pepper for maximum flavor.
• Top each fillet with a spoonful of lemon butter sauce.
• Bake uncovered in a glass or ceramic dish for moisture retention.
• Starting check for doneness at 15 minutes with a fork test.
• Fillets are done when they flake and are opaque throughout.
• Baking time may vary slightly by the thickness of fillets.
• The internal temperature of fillets should reach 145°F.
• Serve hot garnished with chopped parsley or lemon wedges.
• Enjoy the flaky, succulent rockfish bathed in buttery lemon sauce!

How Long To Bake Rockfish at 400 Degrees?

Baking rockfish fillets at a higher temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit shorten the overall cooking time. However, it also means keeping a close eye on them, as fillets may now be done in as little as 10-12 minutes. The thinner pieces may be ready in less than 10 minutes at this hotter setting.

How Do I Know When My Oven Baked Rockfish Is Done?

To know when my oven-baked rockfish fillets are perfectly cooked, I test for doneness using a fork. The fork should slide in and out of the thickest part of the fillet with minimal resistance. I’m also looking for an opaque color through the fillet. Additionally, the flesh should flake and separate easily when prodded with the fork tines. Proper doneness ensures the rockfish is moist and tender.

FAQ’s

What temperature should I bake the rockfish at?

350 degrees Fahrenheit for gentle, even cooking.

How long does it typically take to bake?

15-20 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes with a fork.

What ingredients go into the lemon butter sauce?

Softened butter, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, salt and pepper.

Conclusion

Baking rockfish fillets topped with a simple lemon butter sauce is an easy and delicious weeknight meal. It only takes about 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit to produce moist, flaky fish. Taking the time to pat the fillets dry and brushing them with olive oil before baking helps ensure they don’t overcook or become dry. The bright, zesty lemon butter baste bakes into the fillets, infusing them with flavor. Basting soft butter, fresh lemon juice and zest, and a bit of garlic provide a big taste with minimal ingredients. 

When the fish is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, it’s time to enjoy. A quick oven-baked fish like rockfish doesn’t get much simpler but always satisfies, especially when dressed up with this lively lemon butter sauce. The mild, sweet flavor of rockfish stands up well to the bright tang of citrus.