Growing up, fish for dinner usually meant one thing in our house – those rectangular frozen sticks that came in a box. My mom would pop them in the oven, and that was that. It wasn’t until I started cooking for myself that I discovered how easy it is to make real fish that actually tastes good. This parmesan crusted haddock has become my go-to recipe when I want something quick but still feels like I made an effort. It’s the kind of dish that makes people think you know what you’re doing in the kitchen, even if you’re just figuring things out as you go.
Possible Ingredient Alternatives
Panko crumbs can be replaced with almond meal or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb, gluten-free option. These alternatives provide a similar crunchy texture while reducing carbohydrates. Adjust the quantity as needed to achieve proper coverage. Parmesan cheese can be substituted with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free, vegan option that maintains a savory, cheesy flavor. Use about 3/4 the amount of nutritional yeast as Parmesan. Haddock can be swapped with other white fish like cod, tilapia, or pollock, depending on availability and preference. These fish have similar mild flavors and flaky textures, requiring minimal adjustments to cooking time. For a plant-based alternative, firm tofu or tempeh can be used, though cooking methods may need to be adapted for optimal texture.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Total Time | 25-35 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 800-900
- Protein: 70-80 g
- Fat: 45-50 g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60 g
Ingredients
- 1 lb haddock (or any firm white fish like cod)
- 3 tbsp melted butter (I use Kerrygold unsalted butter)
- kosher salt, to taste
- ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup reduced-fat milk
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup panko crumbs (for extra crispiness)
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 500 degrees F.
Then, lightly oil an 8×8 baking dish to prevent the fish fillets from sticking during baking.
Step 2: Prepare Coating Ingredients
In a wide, shallow bowl or pie tin, combine bread crumbs and cheese, mixing them together.
In a separate small bowl, pour some milk, which will be used for dipping the fillets.
Step 3: Coat the Fish Fillets
Take each fish fillet and dip it into the bowl of milk, shaking off any excess.
Then, press the fillet into the crumb and cheese mixture, making sure to turn and press so that the fish is coated on all sides.
Once coated, transfer each fillet to the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Add Seasoning and Bake
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the coated fillets in the baking dish.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes.
Note that thicker fillets may require a longer cooking time.
The fish is cooked when it is firm to the touch and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 5: Serve the Baked Fish
Once the fish is done baking, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Serve the fillets hot, alongside your favorite sides for a delicious meal.
Enjoy!
Really good. I used really quality olive oil instead of butter and coated bottom and top of fish with crumbs. I made just one filet and even though I cut down ingredients I had too much crumb mixture. I added cauliflower florets and sprinkled them with crumbs and olive oil. All of it turned out well. Browned and crunchy. I overcooked it a little bit but will do better next time. I also made a lemon sauce which added a lot. Thanks for simple but delicious recipe.