Lemon Butter Hake Fish Recipe – Garlic & Dijon Perfection

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Lemon Butter Hake Fish Recipe – Garlic & Dijon Perfection

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a simple yet impressive dinner recipe. This Lemon Butter Hake is exactly that. I first made this when I was craving something light, flavorful, and quick – and it’s been a family favorite ever since. It’s seriously so easy, even on a busy weeknight! Let’s get cooking, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. First off, hake is a wonderfully mild, flaky fish that takes on flavors beautifully. The lemon butter sauce is just… chef’s kiss. It’s bright, garlicky, and has a lovely tang from the Dijon mustard. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes! It feels fancy enough for guests, but easy enough for a regular Tuesday night.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Lemon Butter Hake:

• 500 grams hake fish fillets
• 50 grams butter
• 1/4 cup fresh cream
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 teaspoons Dijon Mustard
• 1.5 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 small shallot or spring onion
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec!

• Hake: I love using hake because it’s a sustainable fish choice, which is important to me. It’s also really affordable and readily available. It’s a lovely alternative to cod or haddock.
• Dijon Mustard: You can play around with the Dijon! I usually use a smooth Dijon, but a grainy one adds a lovely texture. Feel free to experiment!
• Fresh Cream: Fresh cream gives the sauce a lovely richness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with half-and-half or even a splash of milk, but the sauce won’t be quite as decadent.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is always best, but bottled lemon juice works in a pinch.
• Shallots/Spring Onions: I love the subtle oniony flavour they add, but you can skip them if you don’t have any on hand.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business!

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. While the oven heats up, let’s make the sauce. In a microwave-safe jug, combine the butter, minced garlic, cream, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Microwave for 30-40 seconds, until the butter is melted. Give it a good stir until everything is smooth and combined.
3. Now, pat those hake fillets dry with some paper towels. This helps them get nice and golden in the oven. Season generously with salt and pepper.
4. Scatter the finely chopped shallot or spring onion over the fish fillets.
5. Pour that glorious lemon butter sauce evenly over the fish.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. You’ll know it’s ready when the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the baking dish! Give the fish some space so it can steam and bake evenly.
• Keep a close eye on the fish while it’s baking. You don’t want it to dry out.
• A little squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the fish right before serving brightens up the flavors even more.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check your Dijon mustard label to be sure.
• Spice Level Adjustment: My friend loves a little heat, so I sometimes add a pinch of chilli flakes to the sauce. It’s delicious!
• Alternative Fish Options: Cod or haddock work beautifully in this recipe if you can’t find hake.
• Weeknight Quick Version: If you’re really short on time, use pre-prepared lemon juice. It won’t be quite as vibrant, but it’ll still be tasty.

Serving Suggestions

This Lemon Butter Hake is fantastic with so many sides! Here are a few of my favorites:

• Steamed green beans
• Roasted asparagus
• Mashed potatoes (a classic!)
• A simple green salad
• Fluffy basmati rice

Storage Instructions

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. The sauce might separate a little, but it will still taste great.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is hake a flaky fish? Yes! Hake is known for being a beautifully flaky fish, which is why it works so well in this recipe.
• Can I use frozen hake fillets for this recipe? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and baking.
• What is a good side dish to serve with lemon butter hake? So many options! I love steamed green beans or roasted asparagus.
• Can I make the lemon butter sauce ahead of time? You can! Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before pouring over the fish.
• How do I know when the hake is cooked through? The fish is cooked through when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.

Enjoy! I really hope you give this recipe a try. Let me know what you think in the comments below. Happy cooking!