Baked Amberjack Perfection: A Simple & Delicious Recipe

Amberjack, also known as Greater Amberjack, is a firm, flavorful fish that’s perfect for baking. Its meaty texture holds up well to the heat, making it a delightful and relatively easy dish to prepare. This recipe focuses on highlighting the natural flavor of the amberjack with simple, fresh ingredients. We’ll guide you through each step, ensuring your baked amberjack turns out moist, flaky, and incredibly delicious.

## Why Choose Baked Amberjack?

* **Healthy and Lean:** Amberjack is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in fat.
* **Versatile Flavor:** Its mild, slightly sweet taste pairs well with a variety of herbs, spices, and vegetables.
* **Easy to Cook:** Baking is a hands-off cooking method that requires minimal active time.
* **Impressive Presentation:** A baked whole amberjack (if you have a smaller one) or even amberjack steaks make a stunning centerpiece for any meal.

## Ingredients You’ll Need:

* **Amberjack:** 1.5-2 pounds amberjack fillets or steaks (about 4-6 portions)
* **Olive Oil:** 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
* **Lemon:** 1 large lemon, thinly sliced
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves garlic, minced
* **Fresh Herbs:** 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
* **Salt:** 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
* **Black Pepper:** 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
* **Optional Vegetables:** 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1 small red onion, sliced; cherry tomatoes
* **White Wine (optional):** 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)

## Equipment You’ll Need:

* Baking Dish: A 9×13 inch baking dish or similar
* Cutting Board
* Sharp Knife
* Small Bowl
* Whisk (optional)

## Step-by-Step Instructions:

### 1. Prepare the Amberjack:

* **Rinse the Amberjack:** Gently rinse the amberjack fillets or steaks under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels. This removes any surface impurities.
* **Check for Bones:** Run your fingers along the flesh to check for any remaining bones. Remove them with tweezers or pliers if necessary. While most fillets should be boneless, it’s always good to double-check.
* **Optional: Score the Skin:** If your amberjack has skin on, you can score it lightly with a sharp knife. Make shallow cuts about an inch apart, going through the skin but not into the flesh. This helps the skin render and crisp up during baking, preventing it from curling and ensuring even cooking. Scoring also helps the marinade penetrate the fish more effectively.

### 2. Make the Marinade:

* **Combine Ingredients:** In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped thyme (or dried thyme), salt, and black pepper. If you don’t have a whisk, you can simply stir the ingredients together thoroughly.
* **Adjust Seasoning:** Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a pinch more salt or pepper, depending on your preference.

### 3. Marinate the Amberjack:

* **Coat the Fish:** Place the amberjack fillets or steaks in the baking dish. Pour the marinade over the fish, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated. Use your hands or a spoon to gently rub the marinade into the fish, especially into the scored skin if you chose to score it.
* **Marinate (Optional):** For enhanced flavor, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. The longer the fish marinates, the more flavorful it will become. If you’re short on time, you can skip the marinating step and proceed directly to baking.

### 4. Prepare the Baking Dish:

* **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure your oven rack is positioned in the center of the oven for even heat distribution.
* **Line the Baking Dish (Optional):** While not necessary, lining the baking dish with parchment paper can make cleanup easier. Simply cut a piece of parchment paper slightly larger than the baking dish and press it into the dish, allowing the excess to overhang the sides.
* **Arrange Lemon Slices:** Spread a layer of lemon slices evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. This will help to prevent the fish from sticking and add a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Add Optional Vegetables:** If using vegetables, spread the sliced bell peppers and red onion around the lemon slices. Cherry tomatoes can be scattered over the top. Tossing the vegetables with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper beforehand will enhance their flavor and prevent them from drying out during baking.

### 5. Bake the Amberjack:

* **Arrange the Fish:** Place the marinated amberjack fillets or steaks on top of the lemon slices (and vegetables, if using) in the baking dish. Make sure the pieces are spaced slightly apart to allow for even cooking.
* **Add White Wine (Optional):** If using white wine, pour it over the fish and vegetables. The wine will add moisture and flavor to the dish as it bakes.
* **Drizzle with Olive Oil:** Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the fish and vegetables. This will help to keep them moist and add richness to the dish.
* **Bake:** Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The exact baking time will depend on the thickness of the amberjack fillets or steaks and the accuracy of your oven. Check the fish after 15 minutes and continue baking until it is done.
* **Check for Doneness:** To check for doneness, insert a fork into the thickest part of the fish and gently twist. If the fish flakes easily and is no longer translucent, it is cooked through. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 145°F (63°C).

### 6. Broil (Optional):

* **Broil for Crispy Skin:** If you want to achieve a crispy skin on the amberjack, you can broil it for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Turn on the broiler and position the baking dish a few inches below the broiler element. Watch the fish carefully, as it can burn quickly under the broiler. Broil until the skin is golden brown and crispy.

### 7. Serve and Enjoy:

* **Remove from Oven:** Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven using oven mitts. Let the fish rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful fish.
* **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish the baked amberjack with fresh parsley or a lemon wedge for an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal.
* **Serve:** Serve the baked amberjack immediately. It pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as rice, roasted vegetables, salad, or mashed potatoes. You can also serve it with a simple lemon-butter sauce or a creamy dill sauce.

## Tips and Variations:

* **Use Other Fish:** If you can’t find amberjack, you can substitute other firm, white-fleshed fish such as swordfish, tuna, mahi-mahi, or cod.
* **Add Capers:** A tablespoon or two of capers added to the marinade or sprinkled over the fish before baking will add a briny, salty flavor.
* **Spice it Up:** For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
* **Experiment with Herbs:** Feel free to experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary, oregano, or basil, to create your own unique flavor profile.
* **Add Olives:** Pitted Kalamata olives or green olives can be added to the baking dish for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
* **Use Different Vegetables:** Other vegetables that work well with baked fish include zucchini, asparagus, and artichoke hearts.
* **Make a Sauce:** Create a simple lemon-butter sauce by melting butter in a saucepan and whisking in lemon juice, garlic, and parsley. Drizzle the sauce over the fish before serving. You can also make a creamy dill sauce by combining sour cream, mayonnaise, dill, lemon juice, and garlic.
* **Cook in Foil Packets:** For easier cleanup and a more moist fish, you can bake the amberjack in foil packets. Simply place each fillet or steak on a sheet of aluminum foil, top with the marinade, lemon slices, and vegetables, and seal the foil packet tightly. Bake in the preheated oven for the same amount of time.
* **Grilling Amberjack:** While this recipe focuses on baking, amberjack is also excellent grilled. Marinate the fish as described above and grill over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.

## Serving Suggestions:

* **Rice Pilaf:** A classic rice pilaf makes a delicious and satisfying side dish.
* **Roasted Asparagus:** Roasted asparagus with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese is a simple and healthy option.
* **Quinoa Salad:** A quinoa salad with vegetables and a light vinaigrette adds a nutritious and flavorful element to the meal.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting and versatile side dish.
* **Green Salad:** A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the fish.
* **Lemon-Butter Sauce:** A simple lemon-butter sauce elevates the flavor of the baked amberjack.
* **Creamy Dill Sauce:** A creamy dill sauce adds a tangy and flavorful element to the dish.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving):

* Calories: 300-400
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g (depending on vegetables)

## Storing Leftovers:

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover baked amberjack in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat leftover amberjack in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry.
* **Freezing:** While it is possible to freeze baked amberjack, the texture may change slightly after thawing. If you choose to freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Common Mistakes to Avoid:

* **Overcooking the Fish:** Overcooked fish is dry and tough. Be sure to check for doneness regularly and remove the fish from the oven as soon as it is cooked through.
* **Using Low-Quality Ingredients:** Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will significantly improve the flavor of the dish.
* **Not Seasoning Properly:** Seasoning the fish and vegetables properly is essential for a flavorful dish. Don’t be afraid to use salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices to your liking.
* **Not Patting the Fish Dry:** Patting the fish dry before marinating will help the marinade adhere better and prevent the fish from steaming instead of baking.
* **Crowding the Baking Dish:** Crowding the baking dish can prevent the fish from cooking evenly. Make sure the pieces are spaced slightly apart to allow for proper heat circulation.

## Conclusion:

This baked amberjack recipe is a simple, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy this flavorful fish. With just a few ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home. Experiment with different herbs, spices, and vegetables to create your own unique variations. Enjoy!