Baked Butter Herb Perch Fillets: A Simple and Delicious Recipe

Perch is a mild, flaky white fish that’s incredibly versatile and easy to cook. This recipe for Baked Butter Herb Perch Fillets is a testament to its simplicity, requiring minimal ingredients and effort while delivering maximum flavor. The combination of melted butter, fresh herbs, and lemon juice creates a bright and aromatic sauce that perfectly complements the delicate perch fillets. This dish is not only delicious but also healthy, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a light and elegant dinner party option. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy and Quick:** This recipe requires minimal prep time and cooks in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of butter, herbs, and lemon creates a delicious and aromatic sauce that enhances the natural flavor of the perch.
* **Healthy:** Perch is a lean source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making this dish a healthy and nutritious option.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe with your favorite herbs and spices.
* **Elegant:** This dish is simple enough for a weeknight meal but elegant enough for a dinner party.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Perch Fillets:** Look for fresh, skinless perch fillets. You can usually find these at your local grocery store or fish market. If using frozen fillets, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
* **Butter:** Unsalted butter is preferred, as it allows you to control the amount of salt in the dish. Melted butter forms the base of the flavorful sauce.
* **Fresh Herbs:** A combination of fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, and rosemary adds a bright and aromatic flavor to the dish. You can use other herbs like dill, chives, or oregano, depending on your preference. Finely chop the herbs to release their flavor.
* **Lemon Juice:** Fresh lemon juice adds acidity and brightness to the sauce, balancing the richness of the butter. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, but it won’t have the same vibrant taste.
* **Garlic:** Minced garlic adds a savory and aromatic element to the dish. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Garlic powder can be used as a substitute, but it won’t have the same pungent aroma.
* **Salt and Pepper:** Season the perch fillets and the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Use sea salt or kosher salt for the best flavor. Freshly ground black pepper is also preferred.
* **Optional Ingredients:** You can add other ingredients to customize this recipe, such as:
* **Lemon Slices:** Add lemon slices to the baking dish for extra lemon flavor and a beautiful presentation.
* **Shallots:** Finely chopped shallots add a mild onion flavor to the sauce.
* **White Wine:** A splash of dry white wine can add depth and complexity to the sauce.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Baking Dish:** A 9×13 inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe. You can also use a smaller baking dish if you’re only making a few fillets.
* **Small Bowl:** For mixing the butter, herbs, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
* **Whisk or Fork:** For combining the ingredients in the bowl.
* **Measuring Spoons and Cups:** For measuring the ingredients accurately.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For chopping the herbs and garlic.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious Baked Butter Herb Perch Fillets recipe:

**1. Preheat the Oven:**

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven is hot enough to cook the perch fillets evenly and quickly.

**2. Prepare the Perch Fillets:**

* If using frozen perch fillets, make sure they are completely thawed. Pat the fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the fillets to brown nicely in the oven and prevents them from becoming soggy.
* Season the perch fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step adds flavor to the fillets and enhances their natural taste.

**3. Prepare the Butter Herb Sauce:**

* In a small bowl, melt the butter. You can melt the butter in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat.
* Add the chopped fresh herbs, minced garlic, and lemon juice to the melted butter. Whisk or stir the ingredients together until they are well combined. This creates a flavorful and aromatic sauce that will infuse the perch fillets with delicious flavor.
* Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Be sure to taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.

**4. Assemble and Bake:**

* Lightly grease the baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This prevents the perch fillets from sticking to the dish.
* Arrange the perch fillets in a single layer in the baking dish. Make sure the fillets are not overcrowded, as this can prevent them from cooking evenly.
* Pour the butter herb sauce evenly over the perch fillets. Ensure that each fillet is coated with the sauce.
* Optional: Add lemon slices to the baking dish for extra lemon flavor and a beautiful presentation.
* Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the perch fillets are cooked through and flake easily with a fork. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets and the oven temperature. Check the fillets after 12 minutes and adjust the cooking time accordingly. The fillets should be opaque and easily flake apart when gently poked with a fork.

**5. Serve:**

* Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Let the perch fillets rest for a few minutes before serving.
* Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges, if desired. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
* Serve immediately. Baked Butter Herb Perch Fillets are delicious served with rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

Tips for Perfect Baked Perch

* **Don’t Overcook:** Perch is a delicate fish that can easily become overcooked and dry. Be sure to check the fillets frequently and remove them from the oven as soon as they are cooked through.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh herbs and lemon juice will make a big difference in the flavor of this dish. Use the freshest ingredients you can find for the best results.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the sauce before pouring it over the perch fillets and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice depending on your preference.
* **Thaw Frozen Fillets Properly:** If using frozen perch fillets, be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. This will ensure that they cook evenly and don’t become soggy.
* **Pat the Fillets Dry:** Patting the fillets dry with paper towels before seasoning them helps them to brown nicely in the oven.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Dish:** Arrange the perch fillets in a single layer in the baking dish, making sure they are not overcrowded. This will allow them to cook evenly.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** To ensure that the perch fillets are cooked through, you can use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Variations and Substitutions

* **Other Fish:** You can use this recipe with other types of white fish, such as cod, tilapia, or flounder. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different types of fish may require different cooking times.
* **Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs to create your own unique flavor combinations. Some other herbs that would work well in this recipe include dill, chives, oregano, and basil.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of spices such as paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder to the sauce for extra flavor.
* **Cheese:** Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese or mozzarella cheese over the perch fillets before baking for a cheesy twist.
* **Breadcrumbs:** Coat the perch fillets in breadcrumbs before baking for a crispy texture.
* **Wine:** Add a splash of dry white wine to the sauce for a more complex flavor.
* **Cream:** Add a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream to the sauce for a richer and creamier flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Baked Butter Herb Perch Fillets are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some suggestions:

* **Rice:** Serve the perch fillets with white rice, brown rice, or wild rice.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, carrots, or potatoes make a healthy and delicious side dish.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad or a more elaborate salad with vegetables and vinaigrette is a great way to balance out the richness of the perch fillets.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with fish.
* **Quinoa:** Quinoa is a healthy and nutritious grain that makes a great side dish.
* **Couscous:** Couscous is a light and fluffy grain that pairs well with the delicate flavor of the perch.
* **Lemon Wedges:** Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the fish.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the butter herb sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to cook, simply pour the sauce over the perch fillets and bake as directed.
* **Storage:** Leftover Baked Butter Herb Perch Fillets can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the fillets in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 250
* Protein: 30g
* Fat: 15g
* Saturated Fat: 8g
* Cholesterol: 100mg
* Sodium: 300mg
* Carbohydrates: 2g
* Fiber: 0g
* Sugar: 0g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.*

Enjoy!

This Baked Butter Herb Perch Fillets recipe is a simple, delicious, and healthy way to enjoy this versatile fish. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the flavor of baked perch.