How to Cook Hake: Delicious Recipes and Easy Cooking Tips

by Oleg Nikitenko January 22, 2025

How to Cook Hake Fish: Easy and Flavorful Recipes

Cooking hake fish is a simple and rewarding culinary experience. Known for its mild flavor and flaky texture, hake is a versatile seafood option perfect for a variety of dishes. Whether you’re baking, grilling, frying, or pan-frying, hake fish adapts beautifully to different cooking methods, making it a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike.

Chef’s Quote: "Hake is the hidden gem of the seafood world. Its delicate sweetness and versatility make it a must-have in any kitchen," says Michelin-starred chef Eric Ripert.

This guide covers the best ways to cook hake, including detailed recipes and tips, and answers common questions about this delicious fish.

Popular Ways to Cook Hake Fish

1. Baked Hake Recipe

Baking hake preserves its natural flavors while providing a healthy, light meal option.

Ingredients:

  • Hake fillets
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Fresh parsley
  • Lemon slices

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. Place hake fillets on a lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Sprinkle minced garlic and parsley over the fillets and top with lemon slices.
  4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

SEO Tip: This easy baked hake recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or a light, flavorful meal.

2. Grilled Hake Recipe

Grilling hake adds a smoky flavor and a crisp, charred exterior while keeping the fish moist.

Ingredients:

  • Hake steaks or fillets
  • Olive oil
  • Lemon juice
  • Paprika
  • Thyme

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
  2. Brush hake fillets with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. Grill the fillets for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.

Pro Tip: Serve grilled hake with a fresh herb salad or a zesty mango salsa.

3. Crispy Fried Hake Recipe

Frying hake creates a golden crust while keeping the interior tender and juicy.

Ingredients:

  • Hake fillets
  • Flour
  • Eggs (beaten)
  • Breadcrumbs or panko
  • Vegetable oil

Instructions:

  1. Season the fillets with salt and pepper.
  2. Coat hake fillets in flour, dip them in beaten eggs, and roll them in breadcrumbs.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the fillets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  4. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Chef’s Quote: "Crispy fried hake paired with tartar sauce and a wedge of lemon is seafood comfort food at its finest," says Gordon Ramsay.

4. Pan-Fried Hake with Garlic Butter

A quick and elegant option, pan-fried hake in garlic butter is bursting with flavor.

Ingredients:

  • Hake fillets
  • Butter
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Fresh parsley (chopped)
  • Lemon juice

Instructions:

  1. Season hake fillets with salt and pepper.
  2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
  3. Cook hake fillets for 3-4 minutes per side, spooning butter over them as they cook.
  4. Finish with lemon juice and garnish with parsley.

Pro Tip: Pair this dish with mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach for a complete meal.

Hake Recipe Ideas for Every Occasion

  • Hake Fish Tacos: Crispy fried hake served in tortillas with avocado, slaw, and chipotle mayo.
  • Hake Stew: Simmer hake with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and white wine for a hearty meal.
  • Grilled Hake Salad: Serve grilled hake over arugula with cherry tomatoes and a lemon vinaigrette.

Backlinks for Fresh Seafood:

Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Hake

Hake Fish Recipe: What Is the Best Cooking Method for Hake?

The best cooking method depends on your preferences:

  • For Healthy Meals: Baking or steaming preserves nutrients.
  • For Bold Flavors: Grilling enhances the natural taste of hake.
  • For Crispy Texture: Frying is ideal for creating a golden crust.

Is Hake Fish Delicious?

Yes, hake is highly praised for its mild, slightly sweet flavor and flaky texture. It absorbs marinades and seasonings beautifully, making it perfect for both simple dishes and bold recipes.

Do Cod and Hake Taste the Same?

Hake and cod share a similar mild flavor, but there are key differences:

  • Hake: Softer, more delicate texture with a sweeter taste.
  • Cod: Firmer texture, making it better suited for hearty dishes like fish and chips or casseroles.

Chef’s Insight: "If you want a light, melt-in-your-mouth experience, go for hake. Cod is the workhorse of the seafood world," says José Andrés.

What Is Hake Called in the USA?

In the United States, hake is commonly referred to as Pacific Hake or Pacific Whiting (Merluccius productus). These names are used interchangeably and describe the same fish.

Backlink: Discover sustainably sourced Pacific Hake (Whiting) .

Does Hake Have a Lot of Bones?

No, hake has relatively few bones, and most commercial fillets are sold deboned, making it a convenient choice for home cooks and families.

Conclusion

Cooking hake fish is a delight for seafood lovers and beginners alike. Its mild flavor, delicate texture, and versatility make it a perfect choice for a variety of dishes. Whether baked, grilled, fried, or pan-fried, hake fish is an easy way to create delicious and healthy meals.

Ready to try one of these recipes? Add hake fillets to your next meal and enjoy the nutritious and flavorful benefits of this sustainable fish.

Watch Our Hake Cooking Video on YouTube:

Global Seafoods YouTube Channel

For more seafood options, explore:

Back to Recipes
Go to full site