Baked Hake Lemon Herb Crust (Printable)
Tender hake fillets topped with a lemon and herb crust, baked to a golden, flavorful finish.
# Ingredient List:
→ Fish
01 - 4 skinless, boneless hake fillets (about 5.3 oz each)
→ Herb Crust
02 - ¾ cup fresh breadcrumbs (preferably day-old bread)
03 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
04 - 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
05 - 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
06 - Zest of 1 lemon
07 - 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 1 garlic clove, minced
09 - ½ tsp sea salt
10 - ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
11 - 3 tbsp olive oil
→ For Baking
12 - 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing)
13 - Lemon wedges, to serve
# How to Make:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
02 - Pat the hake fillets dry using paper towels and arrange them evenly in the greased baking dish.
03 - In a medium mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, parsley, dill, chives, lemon zest, Parmesan, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of olive oil and mix until the crumbs are well coated.
04 - Evenly press the herb breadcrumb mixture over the top of each hake fillet, gently pressing to ensure adhesion.
05 - Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the crust is golden brown.
06 - Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The herb crust stays crispy while the fish stays impossibly tender and moist inside.
- It comes together in 35 minutes but tastes like you spent half the day in the kitchen.
- One pan, minimal cleanup, and it feels elegant enough for guests but simple enough for a regular Tuesday.
02 -
- Don't skip drying the fish—moisture is the enemy of crispy crusts, and this single step changes everything.
- The breadcrumb mixture needs olive oil to bind it; if it looks dry, add a touch more oil before pressing it onto the fillets.
03 -
- Make the herb breadcrumb mixture up to an hour ahead and keep it in a bowl at room temperature—it actually works better when the oil has had time to coat everything evenly.
- For extra crunch, reserve a small handful of the herb mixture and sprinkle it on top after the initial layer firms up at the 10-minute mark, then finish baking.