Broiled Haddock with Lemon Butter

The simplicity of this broiled haddock recipe makes it an ideal choice for both beginner cooks and seasoned seafood lovers. A quick brush of lemon, garlic, and butter transforms these mild white fish fillets into a bright, savory, and melt-in-your-mouth dish.

What’s special about this preparation is how quickly it comes together, ready in just over 10 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknights when you want something healthy yet satisfying. With its clean flavors and golden, lightly crisped edges from the broiler, this haddock is elegant enough for a dinner party yet easy enough for a solo dinner.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

4 haddock fillets (about 6 oz each)
1/4 cup melted butter
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Lemon wedges, for serving
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Directions:

Preheat your oven’s broiler and lightly grease a baking sheet or line with foil.
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
Pat haddock fillets dry with paper towels and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush each fillet generously with the lemon butter mixture.
Sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper.
Broil for 6–8 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
Serve hot with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chopped parsley if desired.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 minutes | Total Time: 13 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Discover the Elegance of Simplicity: Broiled Haddock with Lemon Butter

When it comes to easy, elegant meals, few dishes can rival the charm of broiled haddock. With its delicate, flaky texture and mild flavor, haddock is a perfect canvas for bold or subtle flavors alike. In this recipe, the star of the show is the beautifully balanced lemon garlic butter that soaks into the fish as it broils, resulting in a dish that feels both gourmet and incredibly simple to prepare.

Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or want something quick and nourishing on a busy weeknight, this broiled haddock will become your go-to recipe. It pairs classic ingredients, fresh lemon, rich butter, aromatic garlic, with the clean, lean profile of a white fish to create a dish that’s light, satisfying, and deeply flavorful.

Why Haddock?

Haddock is a North Atlantic white fish closely related to cod, with a firm yet flaky texture and a slightly sweet taste. Its mild flavor makes it an ideal choice for those who shy away from “fishy” seafood, and it easily absorbs the flavors of herbs, spices, and marinades.

This makes haddock perfect for broiling. Unlike pan-frying or deep-frying, broiling uses high heat from above to cook the fish quickly, giving it a light crisp on top while maintaining juicy tenderness inside. This method enhances the natural sweetness of haddock and lets the buttery lemon-garlic sauce shine without overpowering the fish itself.

Ingredient Deep Dive

Each component in this recipe plays an essential role in creating a well-rounded flavor profile:

Haddock Fillets: Look for fresh or properly thawed fillets. The ideal haddock fillet is moist but firm, with no fishy odor. Skinless fillets work best here, as they broil more evenly.
Butter: This brings richness to the dish, creating a golden, lightly crisped surface when broiled. Melted butter ensures it spreads evenly across the fish.
Lemon Juice: The acidity from lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness of the butter. It also enhances the fish’s natural flavor without overwhelming it.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a savory punch and a slight nutty aroma after broiling. It’s a flavor anchor that elevates the dish from simple to stunning.
Paprika: While subtle, paprika adds a hint of warmth and a golden tint to the top of the fish as it broils. It also adds visual appeal.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, these bring out all the other flavors. Kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper are ideal for the most balanced taste.
Lemon Wedges & Parsley (optional): Serving the fish with fresh lemon and a sprinkle of parsley adds both visual freshness and a zesty finishing touch.

Cooking Technique: Broiling

Broiling is one of the fastest, easiest methods for preparing fish. It uses intense direct heat from above, much like an upside-down grill. This makes it perfect for thin or delicate cuts like haddock fillets, as it locks in moisture while crisping the top slightly for texture.

To broil properly:

Always preheat your broiler. The high heat is essential for even cooking and to get that nice, golden top.
Use a foil-lined or greased baking sheet to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
Don’t overcook. Because broiling is quick, keep an eye on your fish, it should flake easily with a fork and look opaque throughout when done.
Place the baking sheet 6 inches from the broiler element. Too close and it may burn; too far and it might dry out.

Pairing Suggestions

This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to side dishes. Here are some ways to complete the meal:

Lemon Herb Rice: Fluffy rice with fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives complements the citrus in the fish.
Steamed Asparagus or Green Beans: The crisp-tender texture and vibrant green color add freshness to the plate.
Roasted Potatoes or Baby Carrots: For something more comforting, roasted root vegetables are a great way to balance the lightness of the fish.
Mixed Green Salad: Tossed with a lemon vinaigrette, a fresh salad keeps the meal light and nutritious.

For wine lovers, a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or a crisp Chardonnay works beautifully with the lemon butter and white fish flavors.

A Nutritional Powerhouse

One of the greatest advantages of haddock is its nutritional profile. It’s low in calories and fat, yet high in protein and packed with key nutrients like:

Omega-3 fatty acids: Great for heart health and inflammation reduction.
Vitamin B12: Crucial for nerve function and red blood cell production.
Selenium: A powerful antioxidant that supports immune function.

Paired with garlic, lemon, and a modest amount of butter, this recipe is a smart choice for those who are looking for a balanced, wholesome meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

Though best served immediately after cooking, broiled haddock can also be part of your meal prep routine:

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently in the oven or a skillet with a bit of butter to avoid drying out the fish.
You can also serve leftovers cold atop a salad or flaked into fish tacos or sandwiches.

This recipe doesn’t freeze well once cooked, but you can prepare the lemon butter mixture ahead of time and freeze it in small portions for future use.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner, serving a light family lunch, or simply cooking for yourself, broiled haddock offers a level of sophistication that belies its simplicity. With just a few fresh ingredients and a handful of minutes, you can enjoy a meal that feels both nourishing and indulgent.

Conclusion

Broiled Haddock with Lemon Butter is a celebration of simplicity done right. In less than 15 minutes, you can enjoy a restaurant-worthy dish that’s light, flavorful, and packed with nutrition. The flaky white fish, kissed with garlic and lemon, offers a clean and elegant taste experience that appeals to both seasoned seafood fans and those new to fish dishes.

This recipe is proof that you don’t need complex ingredients or techniques to create something truly memorable. It’s about letting quality ingredients speak for themselves, and this dish does exactly that, beautifully, deliciously, and effortlessly.

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