When it comes to weeknight cooking, busy home cooks are often on the lookout for quick and easy recipes that can be prepared in no time. And what’s a better choice than fish fillets? Not only are they packed with protein and omega-3s, but they’re also incredibly versatile and can be cooked in countless ways. In this article, we’ll explore 20 crispy fish fillet recipes perfect for busy weeknights. From classic lemon garlic butter to spicy Cajun and Asian-style glazed, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these recipes will show you that fish doesn’t have to be boring or bland.
Lemon Garlic Butter Fish Fillets
Brighten up your mealtime with this flavorful and easy-to-make recipe, featuring succulent fish fillets smothered in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 fish fillets (any white fish works well)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 2 lemons, juiced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place fish fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. In a small bowl, mix together butter, garlic, and lemon juice until well combined.
5. Spoon the butter mixture evenly over each fish fillet.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until fish is cooked through.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Crispy Baked Fish Fillets with Panko
Elevate your fish game with this easy and delicious recipe that yields crispy, flavorful fillets.
Ingredients:
– 4 fish fillets (any white fish works well)
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs and lemon zest.
4. Dip each fish fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place the coated fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
7. If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the top of the fillets.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pan-Seared Fish Fillets with Herb Sauce
A flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the tender flaky fish with a zesty herb sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 fish fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp lemon zest
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season fish fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Add olive oil to the skillet and sear the fish for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, combine parsley, dill, garlic, and lemon zest in a small bowl.
5. Stir in white wine vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve fish fillets with herb sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Spicy Cajun Fish Fillets
Add a kick of heat to your fish dinner with this flavorful recipe! Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with spicy cajun flavor.
Ingredients:
– 4 fish fillets (any white fish works well)
– 1/2 cup Cajun seasoning
– 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a shallow dish, mix together Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Place fish fillets in the mixture, coating both sides evenly.
5. Place coated fish on prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Fish Fillet Tacos with Mango Salsa
A flavorful twist on traditional tacos, this recipe combines the freshness of mango salsa with the tender sweetness of fish fillets.
Ingredients:
– 4 fish fillets (6 oz each), such as cod or tilapia
– 1/2 cup lime juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp cumin
– 1 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8 taco-sized corn tortillas
– Mango salsa (see below)
– Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, cilantro, diced tomatoes
Mango Salsa:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/2 red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add fish fillets to the marinade, flipping to coat evenly. Let sit for 10-15 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, prepare mango salsa by combining all ingredients in a bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
5. Place tortillas on a baking sheet and warm in the oven for 2-3 minutes.
6. Remove fish from marinade and cook in the oven for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Assemble tacos with fish, mango salsa, and desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Parmesan Crusted Fish Fillets
A flavorful and crispy crust adds a delightful twist to delicate fish fillets.
Ingredients:
– 4 fish fillets (any white fish works well)
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
4. Dip each fish fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place the coated fish fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Grilled Fish Fillets with Lemon Dill Sauce
Brighten up your dinner table with this refreshing and flavorful recipe that combines the sweetness of fish with the zing of lemon and the creaminess of dill.
Ingredients:
– 4 fish fillets (any white fish works well, such as tilapia or cod)
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season fish fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Grill fish for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. While the fish is cooking, combine lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and dill in a small bowl.
5. Serve grilled fish with Lemon Dill Sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Fish Fillet Sandwich with Tartar Sauce
Savor the flavor of a classic fish sandwich elevated by creamy tartar sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 fish fillets ( cod, tilapia or mahi-mahi work well)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 4 hamburger buns
– Tartar sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Lettuce, tomato, and cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each fish fillet into the flour mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place coated fish on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle melted butter over the fish.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Assemble sandwiches by placing baked fish on hamburger buns and topping with tartar sauce, lettuce, tomato, and cheese (if using).
8. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Asian-Style Glazed Fish Fillets
A sweet and savory glaze elevates this Asian-inspired fish dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 fish fillets (such as tilapia or cod), 6 oz each
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and vegetable oil.
3. Add garlic and ginger; whisk until smooth.
4. Place fish fillets in a shallow baking dish; brush glaze evenly over both sides of the fish.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Fish Fillet Curry with Coconut Milk
A flavorful and aromatic curry made with succulent fish fillets cooked in a rich coconut milk sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 fish fillets (any white fish works well)
– 2 medium onions, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin
– 1 can coconut milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onions, garlic, and ginger; cook until the onions are translucent.
3. Add curry powder, turmeric, and cumin; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add fish fillets; cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
5. Stir in coconut milk and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Simmer the curry for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Blackened Fish Fillets with Avocado Crema
A flavorful and refreshing twist on traditional blackening seasoning, this recipe combines the bold flavors of Cajun spices with the creamy richness of avocado. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 fish fillets (blackened or red snapper work well)
– 2 tablespoons blackened seasoning
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together blackened seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place fish fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle the blackening mixture evenly over each fillet, making sure they’re fully coated.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, combine diced avocado, lime juice, and sour cream. Stir until smooth.
6. Serve fish with a dollop of avocado crema on top and garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes (fish) + prep time
Fish Fillet Piccata with Capers
A classic Italian dish that showcases the simplicity and elegance of flavors. This recipe highlights the delicate taste of fish fillets, paired with the boldness of capers.
Ingredients:
– 4 fish fillets (such as cod or tilapia)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1/4 cup chopped capers
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Season the fish fillets with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add the fish fillets to the skillet, skin side up if they have it. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Flip the fish over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to medium.
6. Add the white wine, lemon juice, and butter to the skillet. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Stir in the chopped capers. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve the fish fillets with the piccata sauce spooned over top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Fish Fillet en Papillote with Vegetables
A flavorful and moist fish dish cooked to perfection in a parchment paper pouch, surrounded by aromatic vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 4 fish fillets (white or black cod, tilapia, or any other firm-fleshed fish)
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 zucchini, sliced
– 1 lemon, cut into wedges
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut a piece of parchment paper into four equal squares.
3. Place a fish fillet in the center of each square.
4. Add sliced onion, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini around the fish.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Fold the parchment paper over the ingredients, creating a pouch by folding the edges inward three times.
7. Place the pouches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Fish Fillet Stir-Fry with Ginger Soy Sauce
A flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines the freshness of fish with the warmth of ginger and soy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 fish fillets (any white fish works well, e.g., cod or tilapia)
– 2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and grated
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cut the fish fillets into bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the grated ginger and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the garlic and stir-fry for another minute.
5. Add the mixed bell peppers and cook until they start to soften.
6. Add the fish pieces and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until cooked through.
7. Stir in the soy sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Fish Fillet Cakes with Remoulade
Experience the rich flavors of the sea with these crispy Fish Fillet Cakes served with a tangy and creamy Remoulade sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cod or haddock fillets, flaked
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Remoulade sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine flaked fish, panko breadcrumbs, chopped onion, garlic, egg, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
2. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Serve immediately with Remoulade sauce.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Fish Fillet with Tomato Basil Sauce
This recipe combines the delicate flavor of pan-seared fish fillets with a vibrant and tangy tomato basil sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 fish fillets (cod, tilapia or mahi-mahi work well)
– 2 large tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the fish fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fish fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
4. In a separate pan, sauté the garlic and chopped basil in a little olive oil until fragrant.
5. Add the diced tomatoes to the pan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until they start to release their juices.
6. Serve the fish fillets with the tomato basil sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Fish Fillet Nuggets with Honey Mustard Dip
A delicious twist on traditional fish sticks, these bite-sized nuggets are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Pair them with a tangy honey mustard dip for a flavorful treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fish fillets (cod or tilapia work well)
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Honey Mustard Dip ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup honey, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut fish fillets into small nugget-sized pieces.
3. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Dip each fish piece into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place coated fish on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Meanwhile, mix together honey, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard for the Honey Mustard Dip.
8. Serve warm nuggets with dipping sauce of your choice.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Fish Fillet Po’ Boy with Spicy Mayo
This classic Louisiana sandwich is a flavorful twist on the traditional po’ boy, featuring crispy fish fillets and creamy spicy mayo.
Ingredients:
– 4 fish fillets (catfish or cod work well)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Spicy mayo (see below)
– 4 po’ boy rolls
– Lettuce, tomato, pickles, and other toppings (optional)
Spicy Mayo:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Dredge fish fillets in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Dip floured fish in buttermilk, then coat in additional flour mixture.
4. Fry fish in hot oil until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Assemble po’ boys by placing fried fish on a roll, topping with spicy mayo, and adding lettuce, tomato, pickles, or other toppings if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Fish Fillet with Brown Butter and Almonds
A classic combination of flavors and textures, this recipe elevates the humble fish fillet to new heights.
Ingredients:
• 4 fish fillets (any white fish works well)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the fish fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Heat one tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fish fillets and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
4. Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Let it melt and turn brown, stirring occasionally (about 5 minutes).
6. Add the sliced almonds to the brown butter and stir to combine.
7. Serve the pan-seared fish fillets with the brown butter and almond topping.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Fish Fillet in Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Elevate your fish game with this rich and flavorful Creamy Mushroom Sauce Fish Fillet recipe. Pan-seared to perfection, the delicate fish fillet is smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 4 fish fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Season fish fillets with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
4. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.
5. Pour in heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Stir until sauce thickens slightly.
6. Place fish fillets on top of the mushroom mixture. Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until fish is cooked through.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Summary
Get ready to impress your family and friends with these 20 crispy fish fillet recipes perfect for busy weeknights. From classic lemon garlic butter to spicy Cajun flavors and international twists like Asian-style glazed and Indian-inspired curry, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for tacos, sandwiches, or a hearty stir-fry, these recipes are quick, easy, and delicious. With a variety of cooking methods and flavors, you’ll never run out of ideas for your next fish dinner. Try one tonight and see what a difference it makes!
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