5 Delicious Hake Recipes You Have to Try

Imagine diving into a delightful dinner with the taste of delicate, flaky hake paired with a variety of fresh and vibrant flavors. Hake, an often overlooked member of the cod family, is the unsung hero of the fish world, boasting a subtle flavor and firm texture that makes it perfect for a range of culinary adventures. Here are five delicious hake recipes that are sure to elevate your dining experience:

Hake with Herb Crust

Transforming simple ingredients into a flavorful dish, this recipe uses a herb crust to bring out the best in hake fillets:

• 4 hake fillets
• 1 cup of breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, thyme, and dill
• 1 grated lemon zest
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

To prepare:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Combine the breadcrumbs, herbs, lemon zest, and garlic in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Brush the fillets with olive oil and press the herb mixture on the top.
4. Place the fillets on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily.

🧑‍🍳 Note: The herb crust is not just delicious but also helps in keeping the fish moist while baking.

Baked Hake in Tomato Sauce

Experience the comfort of this simple yet sumptuous dish, where hake is baked with a rich tomato sauce:

• 4 hake fillets
• 2 large tomatoes, chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Basil leaves
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

To prepare:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a pan, sauté the onion and garlic until translucent. Add tomatoes, sugar, and simmer for about 10 minutes.
3. Arrange the fillets in a baking dish, pour the tomato sauce over them, and scatter basil leaves on top.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the fish is cooked through.

Hake with Mediterranean Salsa

A vibrant mix of Mediterranean flavors brings this hake dish to life:

• 4 hake fillets
• 1 cup of diced cucumber
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup of black olives, sliced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Fresh mint and parsley, chopped

To prepare:

1. Mix the cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, lemon juice, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, then add fresh herbs.
2. Season the hake fillets with salt and pepper, and grill or pan-fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side.
3. Serve the hake topped with the salsa, offering a burst of flavor with every bite.

Pan-Fried Hake with Lemon Butter Sauce

A classic preparation that showcases the subtle flavors of hake:

• 4 hake fillets
• 2 lemons, juiced
• 4 tablespoons of butter
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Capers (optional)

To prepare:

1. Season the fillets with salt and pepper.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil and butter until sizzling, then fry the hake for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
3. Remove the fish, lower the heat, and add lemon juice, whisking to combine with the pan juices. If using capers, add them now.
4. Drizzle the sauce over the fish before serving.

🍋 Note: The lemon butter sauce can be intensified with capers or a splash of white wine for an extra touch of elegance.

Hake Curry

For a more adventurous palate, this hake curry dish offers a fusion of spices and flavors:

• 4 hake fillets
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons of curry powder
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric
• Coconut milk (1 can)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

To prepare:

1. In a large pot, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant. Add tomatoes and cook until they break down.
2. Stir in curry powder and turmeric, then add coconut milk. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
3. Gently lay the hake fillets into the sauce, cover, and cook on low heat for another 15 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.
4. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

Embrace the versatility of hake with these varied recipes that suit different tastes and occasions. Whether you're seeking comfort or looking to experiment with new flavors, hake's delicate nature provides the perfect canvas for your culinary creativity.

Can I substitute hake with another type of fish in these recipes?

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Absolutely! You can use cod, haddock, or even pollock as substitutes, though each fish will impart a slightly different flavor and texture.

How do I know when the hake is cooked?

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The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the flesh has turned from translucent to opaque white.

Is hake sustainable to eat?

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Hake is considered sustainable in most regions where it’s fished, but it’s good practice to check for certifications like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) label.