Rockfish offers tender, moist, and succulent meat that adapts beautifully to almost any cooking method. In this article, I will instruct you how to cook rockfish in 3 different ways to enjoy delicious rockfish at home. But first, I will answers to some common rockfish cooking questions.
1. Frequently Asked Questions
1.1. Do I Need to Soak Rockfish Before Cooking?
No soaking is necessary. Rockfish lacks the dark reddish flesh of salmon and tuna which sometimes benefits from an advance soak to evenly season the flesh. Simply pat fillets thoroughly dry and season just before cooking.
1.2. What Fish Does Rockfish Taste Like?
Rockfish has frequently been compared to red snapper and cod, with sweet flavor and medium flaky-firm texture when cooked. It adapts well to a variety of seasonings and bonds beautifully with complementing flavors.
1.3. Is Rockfish A Good Fish To Eat?
Yes, rockfish makes for wonderful eating! Low mercury levels and plenty of protein and heart-healthy omega-3s like EPA and DHA make rockfish fillets a nutritious choice full of essential vitamins and minerals.
2. How To Cook Rockfish on Stove
2.1. Pan-Searing Rockfish Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz) rockfish fillets
- 1⁄2 cup flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
Pat fillets extremely dry with paper towels. Season flour generously with paprika, salt and pepper.
Dredge fillets thoroughly in flour mixture, coating both sides evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until very hot but not smoking.
Carefully lay fillets in the skillet presentation-side down. Sear 3 minutes until golden.
Flip fillets and cook 2-3 minutes longer until fish flakes easily and is opaque throughout.
Serve seared rockfish warm with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
2.2. Pan-Fried Rockfish Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz) rockfish fillets
- 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- 1⁄4 vegetable oil
Instructions
Rinse and thoroughly pat dry rockfish fillets. Season flour generously with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
Lightly dredge fillets in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat completely in breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so crumbs adhere.
Heat 1⁄4 inch oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Fry fillets 2 minutes per side until deep golden brown and fish flakes apart easily. Drain on paper towels. Serve warm.
3. How To Cook Rockfish in Oven
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz) rockfish fillets
- 2 lemons, thinly sliced
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1⁄4 tsp paprika
- 1⁄4 tsp salt
- 1⁄8 tsp pepper
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F. On a baking sheet, arrange rockfish fillets skin-side down with lemon slices and thyme sprigs on top.
Mix oil, garlic and seasonings. Brush half the mixture over fish.
Roast 12 minutes until fish is firm and opaque. Serve rockfish with pan juices spooned over the top.
4. How To Cook Rockfish on Grill
Ingredients
- 4 (6oz) rockfish fillets
- 1⁄4 cup olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Rinse the rockfish fillets under cold water and pat very dry with paper towels. Place in a shallow glass baking dish.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, basil, parsley, oregano, salt and pepper.
Pour the marinade over the fish, turning the fillets to coat both sides. Let marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
Prepare your grill for high-heat direct grilling, around 400°F to 450°F. Brush and oil the grill grates.
Place the rockfish fillets skin-side down onto the preheated grill. Grill for 4 minutes until the skin releases cleanly from the grates.
Flip the fillets using a thin metal spatula and grill for 4-5 minutes more until the flesh becomes opaque and begins flaking easily.
Transfer the grilled rockfish to a serving platter and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Garnish with extra basil and parsley if desired. Serve warm.
This mild white fish lets flavors from herbs, spices and citrus shine. Master pan frying, oven baking or grilling for the ultimate tasty and healthy rockfish dinner.
