Baked Haddock Lemon Capers (Printable)
Tender haddock fillets baked with lemon, capers, garlic, and fresh herbs for a light, elegant dinner.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Fish
01 - 4 skinless, boneless haddock fillets (5 oz each)
→ Marinade & Seasoning
02 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
04 - 2 tablespoons rinsed and drained capers
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 teaspoon sea salt
07 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
→ Garnish
10 - Lemon slices for serving
11 - Extra chopped fresh parsley
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish capable of holding fillets in a single layer.
02 - Pat haddock fillets dry with paper towels and arrange evenly in the prepared baking dish.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, capers, minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, parsley, and dill if using.
04 - Spoon the marinade evenly over the haddock, coating each fillet thoroughly.
05 - Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
06 - Remove from oven, garnish with lemon slices and extra parsley, then serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It's done in 30 minutes, which means weeknight dinner without the stress or takeout guilt.
- The fish stays impossibly tender because the marinade protects it while it bakes, making it nearly impossible to overcook.
- Lemon and capers are a flavor combo that tastes fancy but costs next to nothing.
02 -
- Overcooked haddock becomes grainy and sad, so start checking at 15 minutes—better to pull it out a minute early than a minute late.
- Rinsing the capers is non-negotiable if you don't want a salt bomb; two quick rinses under cold water change the whole dish.
03 -
- Bring the fish to room temperature five minutes before cooking so it bakes evenly and gently throughout.
- Save any pan juices left after baking and drizzle them over the plate before serving—they're pure flavor you shouldn't waste.