There is something truly magical about the simplicity and flavor of the Baked Ocean Perch with Spiced Seasoning Recipe. This dish brings together tender, flaky ocean perch fillets baked to perfection with a vibrant blend of spices that awaken your senses. Perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner, this recipe highlights how just a handful of thoughtful ingredients can create a savory experience worth savoring over and over.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Baked Ocean Perch with Spiced Seasoning Recipe lies in how straightforward yet impactful the ingredients are. Each one plays a vital role in building the delicate balance of flavors and textures that make this dish stand out—offering freshness, warmth, and a slight kick.
- 1 1/2 pounds ocean perch fillets: Fresh, flaky fish that’s perfect for baking and soaks up seasoning beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the spices adhere to the fish while promoting a lovely golden finish.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the fish without overpowering it.
- 1 teaspoon dried mustard: Brings a subtle tang and depth that complements the sea’s sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds smoky warmth and vibrant color to the seasoning mix.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: A gentle heat that awakens your taste buds without overwhelming.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild spice and aromatic complexity to the dish.
How to Make Baked Ocean Perch with Spiced Seasoning Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Fish
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. While the oven warms, gently pat the ocean perch fillets dry with paper towels to ensure that the seasoning sticks well and the fish bakes to a perfect texture without excess moisture.
Step 2: Mix the Spiced Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, dried mustard, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to blend these beautiful spices into a harmonized seasoning that will bring your ocean perch to life.
Step 3: Season the Fish
Lay the perch fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a lightly greased baking dish. Brush the tops with olive oil to lock in moisture and help the spices adhere. Then, sprinkle the spiced seasoning mix evenly over the fillets, gently rubbing it in with your fingertips to ensure every bite is flavorful.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet or dish into the preheated oven and bake the fish for about 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it—the fish is done when it easily flakes apart with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. The result is tender, juicy ocean perch infused with a lively spiced crust.
How to Serve Baked Ocean Perch with Spiced Seasoning Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your plate by adding fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and refreshing tone. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving really enhances the spices and lifts the flavors for an irresistible finish.
Side Dishes
This baked ocean perch pairs beautifully with simple sides such as roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, or a light quinoa salad. The gentle seasoning on the fish leaves room for side dishes to shine without competition, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve your fish on a bed of mixed greens dressed lightly with vinaigrette or alongside colorful slices of avocado. You can even place the fillets over warm couscous dotted with fresh herbs to make your meal feel extra special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers from your Baked Ocean Perch with Spiced Seasoning Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to two days, allowing you a quick and tasty meal the following day.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked perch if necessary. Wrap the fillets tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Use within one month for optimal flavor and texture when thawed and reheated.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the fish in a low oven at around 275 degrees F or in a skillet over medium-low heat to preserve moisture and avoid drying out your perfectly spiced perch. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that lovely flaky texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ocean perch is ideal for its delicate texture and mild flavor, you can substitute with similar white fish like cod, haddock, or tilapia. Just adjust baking time slightly depending on thickness.
How spicy is this Baked Ocean Perch with Spiced Seasoning Recipe?
The red pepper flakes provide a gentle warmth, but the heat is very mild and perfectly balanced with the other spices. If you prefer it milder, reduce the red pepper flakes or omit altogether.
Do I need a special thermometer to check the fish?
An instant-read thermometer is the best way to ensure the fish is perfectly cooked to 145 degrees F, but you can also check by flaking the thickest part with a fork—the fish should flake easily and look opaque.
Can I prepare the seasoning mix in advance?
Yes! The spice mix can be whisked together ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. It keeps well, so you can save time on busy days and still enjoy this flavorful dish.
Is this recipe healthy?
Definitely! The Baked Ocean Perch with Spiced Seasoning Recipe is a light, protein-packed meal with minimal added fat, relying on spices to deliver bold flavor rather than butter or cream. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a healthy yet delicious option.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a simple yet exciting fish dish, I can’t recommend the Baked Ocean Perch with Spiced Seasoning Recipe enough. It’s a wonderful way to treat yourself to bold flavors without complicated steps or ingredients. Trust me, once you try it, this will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation that you’ll want to share with friends and family alike.
Print
Baked Ocean Perch with Spiced Seasoning Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Baked Perch recipe features tender ocean perch fillets seasoned with a flavorful blend of dried mustard, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes, baked to perfection in the oven. It’s a simple, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy fresh fish with minimal prep and cook time.
Ingredients
Fish
- 1 1/2 pounds ocean perch fillets
Seasoning & Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Fish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Pat the perch fillets dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the seasoning stick better and ensures a nice bake.
- Mix the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, dried mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well until all the spices are evenly mixed.
- Season the Fillets: Arrange the perch fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a lightly greased baking dish. Brush the tops of the fillets with the olive oil to help the seasoning adhere and keep the fish moist. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the fillets, then gently rub the spices into the fish with your fingers for thorough flavor coverage.
- Bake the Fish: Place the baking sheet or dish in the preheated oven and bake the fish for 15 to 20 minutes. The perch is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the fish reads 145 degrees Fahrenheit and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Notes
- Ensure the fish is fresh or properly thawed for the best flavor and texture.
- You can adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- Serve the baked perch with lemon wedges or fresh herbs like parsley for added brightness.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking the fish.
