11 Easy Baked White Fish Recipes for Fuss-Free Weeknight Dinners

Cooking fish at home doesn’t have to be intimidating. Baked white fish is honestly one of the easiest, fastest dinners you can whip up on a hectic weeknight.

These recipes need just a handful of ingredients and about 20-30 minutes to create a healthy, delicious meal, even picky eaters usually say yes to these.

White fish like cod, tilapia, grouper, and snapper are super mild, so they play well with all sorts of seasonings. From Mediterranean-style with tomatoes and olives to crispy Parmesan crusted options, there’s something for every mood.

The tender, flaky texture of properly baked whitefish makes it a win for family dinners or even when you’re hosting friends.

Baked Fish With Lemon and Garlic Butter

Need something quick and full of flavor? Baked white fish with lemon garlic butter is a weeknight hero.

The fish is mild, and the zesty sauce makes it pop. Cod, lingcod, grouper, snapper, or tilapia all soak up the flavors beautifully.

Here’s a neat trick: sandwich the fish between lemon slices. It infuses the fish with citrus and keeps it moist.

The garlic butter adds a rich, aromatic layer. Once baked, the fish is tender and flaky, hard to mess up, honestly.

It’s fast, 20 minutes and you’re eating something that tastes way fancier than the effort required.

This dish is also naturally low in carbs, so it’s great for keto or gluten-free diets.

Try it with steamed veggies or rice. It’s simple, but it hits the spot.

Moist Oven-Baked Cod

Perfect cod in the oven? Totally doable. The secret to moist oven-baked cod is honestly just lemon, olive oil, and a good sprinkle of seasonings.

This dish takes about 5 minutes to prep and maybe 15 minutes to bake. On those nights when you need a healthy, protein-rich meal without any drama, it’s a lifesaver.

The light, flaky texture of cod is just right for baking. If you do it right, it stays juicy and tender all the way through.

Some quick tips:

• Pat the fish dry before seasoning
• Don’t overcook (fish is done at 145°F)
• Add a bit of butter for extra richness

Cod’s mild, slightly sweet flavor is a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with rice pilaf or some quick sautéed veggies and you’re set.

Easy Baked White Fish with Milk & Parmesan

Need dinner in a hurry? This easy baked fish with milk and Parmesan cheese is ready in about 20 minutes, and it’s got that tender, flaky inside with a crunchy crust.

The trick is dipping the fish in milk, then coating it with a savory mix of Parmesan and breadcrumbs. You get a golden, crispy outside and moist fish inside, so simple, so good.

Use cod, tilapia, halibut, or haddock, these mild-flavored fish really let the Parmesan crust shine.

Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. It cuts through the cheese and brightens every bite.

Serve it up with steamed veggies or a green salad. The whole dish comes together fast, so it’s ideal for those nights when you want something tasty but don’t have time for fuss.

Lemon Dill Baked White Fish

Lemon Dill Baked White Fish is one of those recipes that feels fancy but is actually super simple. The fish comes out flaky and moist, just the way it should.

It starts with a rich butter and garlic base. The seasoning is subtle, letting the fish do its thing.

Fresh dill is the star here, bringing a bright, grassy flavor that just works with seafood. A bit of parsley on top looks and tastes great.

Lemon adds a citrusy tang, balancing the butter with a little zing. When it’s baked, the flavors meld beautifully.

This works with pretty much any white fish you like:

• Cod
• Tilapia
• Haddock
• Grouper

It’s healthy, quick to throw together, and the flavors are clean and fresh. Even if you’re cooking for picky eaters or guests, it’s a good bet.

Crispy Lemon Baked Fish

Crispy lemon baked fish is a go-to for busy nights. It’s healthy and delicious, and honestly, the crunch is addictive.

Breadcrumbs give the fish its crispy coat, while fresh lemon zest and juice bring a burst of tangy flavor. Mild white fish like cod, tilapia, or haddock all work great here.

The inside stays flaky and moist, while the outside is satisfyingly crunchy. It’s lighter than fried fish but just as tasty, maybe even better, if you ask me.

This dish comes together fast. Pair it with roasted veggies or a salad, and you’ve got a meal everyone will want seconds of.

Quick & Easy Baked Fish Fillet

When you need dinner, like, now, a baked white fish recipe is a solid choice. Lemon juice, butter, and onion come together for a flavorful meal that’s almost effortless.

Baked fish cooks super quickly, just 12-15 minutes and it’s flaky and tender. Cod, tilapia, and halibut are all good picks.

Want more flavor? Lay some lemon slices on top before baking. It adds a fresh, citrusy kick that works perfectly with the buttery sauce.

Serve with veggies or rice and you’ve got a meal that’s light enough for summer but satisfying any time.

Parmesan Crusted Baked White Fish

If you’re craving something crispy and cheesy, Parmesan crusted white fish is ready in just 30 minutes and doesn’t skimp on flavor.

The garlicky parmesan crust gets golden and crunchy, while the inside of the fish stays light and flaky. That contrast? Honestly, it’s the best part.

Cod, tilapia, or haddock are all great choices here. Their mild flavors let the cheesy crust shine while giving you a solid, healthy protein base.

Most recipes call for:

• Freshly grated Parmesan
• Seasoned breadcrumbs or panko
• Herbs like parsley or basil
• Lemon for a bright finish
• Garlic for extra depth

Bake at a high temp for quick cooking and max crispiness. It’s way healthier than frying, but you won’t miss the crunch.

Serve with a salad or steamed veggies. It feels special, but you won’t be stuck in the kitchen all night.

Easy Oven-Baked Fish

Pressed for time? Easy oven-baked fish is your friend. You’ll have dinner on the table in about 20 minutes, no stress.

Tilapia, cod, or haddock are all solid options. These mild fish cook up beautifully in the oven.

A few seasonings, think garlic, lemon, and herbs, are all you need. It’s simple, but it doesn’t taste boring.

Baked fish is healthy, too. It’s low in calories, high in protein, and you barely need any extra fat.

Pair with vegetables and rice, and you’ve got a meal that’s both easy and satisfying. Even kids usually go for this one.

Baked Fish With Lemon Cream Sauce

This tender juicy baked fish is perfect when you want something quick but a little fancy. It comes together in about 15 minutes, all in one baking dish, so cleanup’s a breeze.

The lemon cream sauce is the real star. It’s light, creamy, and has just enough citrus to keep things interesting.

Cod, haddock, or tilapia all work well. Their mild flavor lets the sauce shine.

Here’s how it goes:

• Season fish fillets
• Add the sauce ingredients
• Bake until flaky
• Serve right away

The sauce basically makes itself in the oven and coats the fish with velvety goodness. Serve with steamed veggies or rice, anything to soak up that extra sauce.

Mediterranean Baked White Fish (Easy & Bright)

So, you need dinner fast? Mediterranean baked white fish comes together in just 25 minutes. It’s got all those punchy, sunshiny flavors you’d expect.

This one’s all about simple white fish and zesty Mediterranean ingredients. The fish gets a hit of oregano and garlic, then it’s topped with a jumble of tomatoes, olives, and red onions.

Fish Options:

• Cod
• Halibut
• Tilapia
• Basa

You barely have to do anything fancy. It’s the kind of meal that feels a bit special, but really, it’s just a handful of steps. Mediterranean flavors turn plain fish into something you actually look forward to eating.

Try it with couscous or rice, those juices are too good to waste. Maybe toss a green salad on the side and call it a night.

Lemon Butter Baked White Fish

Another weekday, another dinner dilemma? Lemon butter baked white fish is ridiculously easy and honestly, it tastes like you put in way more effort.

It starts with mild fillets like cod or tilapia. Then you drizzle them with a lemon butter sauce that just wakes everything up.

There aren’t many ingredients here, and you don’t need much time either. Somehow, it still feels a bit restaurant-y. Dinner in about 15 minutes? Not bad.

As it bakes, the fish turns perfectly flaky. The lemon and butter melt together for a sauce you’ll want to mop up. A lot of folks like to toss in fresh herbs, dill or parsley work well.

This one’s good with:

• Steamed vegetables
• Rice pilaf
• Roasted potatoes
• Fresh green salad

And hey, it’s pretty healthy. White fish is low in calories, high in protein, so you can feel good about serving it to the family.

Conclusion

Baked white fish recipes are honestly a lifesaver for anyone who wants something easy and tasty. It’s kind of amazing how you can take a mild fish and, with barely any fuss, end up with a meal that feels a little special.

There are so many directions you can go, think Mediterranean with tomatoes and olives, or just classic lemon and butter. It’s hard not to find something that fits your mood.

They’re also pretty light and healthy, which is a nice bonus. So whether it’s a rushed weeknight or you’ve got friends coming over, these options fit right in. (weeknight dinners)

Fish like cod, tilapia, and snapper really shine in these baked recipes. They just soak up whatever flavors you throw at them, herbs, spices, sauces, you name it.

Honestly, whether you’re in the mood for something Italian-inspired or just craving that bright, buttery lemon flavor (lemon-butter), baked white fish is a solid go-to. It’s versatile, approachable, and you don’t need to be a chef to pull it off.