Are you craving a delicious, healthy meal that doesn't require culinary expertise? Look no further! These incredibly simple baked fish fillets will transform your dinner routine from mundane to magnificent. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that will impress your family and make weeknight cooking a breeze. Get ready to unlock the secret to perfectly cooked, flavorful fish that's so easy, even beginner cooks can master it!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 fish fillets
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray to prevent fish from sticking.
- Pat the fish fillets dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a better texture and allows seasonings to adhere properly.
- Place the fish fillets on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overlapping and have some space between each piece.
- Drizzle olive oil evenly over the fish fillets, using a brush or spoon to distribute it uniformly.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over each fillet, which will add brightness and help tenderize the fish.
- Season the fillets generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides, ensuring even coverage.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill, and serve with lemon wedges for additional flavor.
Tips
- Always use fresh fish and pat it completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crisp exterior.
- Choose a baking sheet with low sides to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the fish - give each fillet space to prevent steaming instead of baking.
- Use a meat thermometer if possible; fish is perfectly cooked at 145°F (63°C).
- For extra flavor, experiment with different herbs and spices like dill, paprika, or garlic powder.
- If your fillets are very thin, reduce cooking time to prevent drying out.
- Fresh lemon not only adds flavor but helps tenderize the fish during cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: 0g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
