Hake is a delicate, mild-flavored white fish that lends itself well to simple pan-frying. This quick and easy recipe showcases the natural taste of hake by searing it in a hot skillet until the exterior is crispy and the interior is tender and flaky.
Time: 35 mins Serve:4
Ingredients
4 (6 oz) hake fillets
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 lemon, cut into wedges
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
- Pat the hake fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- When the butter is melted and the oil is shimmering, add the hake fillets to the pan skin-side down.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Transfer the pan-fried hake to a plate and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top.
- Serve the hake immediately, with additional lemon wedges on the side.
Tips:
- Pat the fish very dry before cooking to ensure crispy skin.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the fish from sticking.
- Resist the urge to move the fish too much while cooking for best searing.
- Baste the fish with the butter/oil mixture as it cooks for extra flavor.