Haddock is a versatile and flavourful white fish that is a staple in many Canadian kitchens. Known for its delicate, slightly sweet taste and firm, flaky texture, haddock is an excellent choice for a variety of dishes. Whether baked, grilled, fried, or poached, this nutritious fish is easy to prepare and pairs well with a range of ingredients. In this blog post, we’ll explore different ways to cook haddock and share some mouth-watering recipes to inspire your next meal.
Why Choose Haddock?
Haddock is an excellent choice for home cooking because:
- It has a mild, slightly sweet taste that pairs well with many seasonings.
- It is low in fat and high in protein, making it a healthy option.
- It cooks quickly and is easy to work with, whether fresh or frozen.
- It’s a sustainable seafood option when sourced responsibly.
Best Methods for Cooking Haddock
1. Baking Haddock
Baking is a simple and healthy way to prepare haddock, allowing the fish to retain its moisture and absorb the flavours of seasonings.
Classic Baked Haddock Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 haddock fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place haddock fillets on a lined baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil or butter and sprinkle with garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Lay lemon slices on top of the fillets.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favourite sides.
2. Pan-Frying Haddock
Pan-frying gives haddock a crispy crust while keeping the inside tender and flaky.
Crispy Pan-Fried Haddock Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 haddock fillets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions:
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Dip each fillet into the flour mixture, then into the beaten egg, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the fillets for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve with lemon wedges and tartar sauce.
3. Grilling Haddock
Grilling adds a smoky flavour to haddock while keeping it light and fresh.
Grilled Lemon Herb Haddock Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 haddock fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush fillets with olive oil and season with lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place fillets on a well-oiled grill and cook for 3–4 minutes per side.
- Sprinkle with fresh dill and serve immediately.
4. Poaching Haddock
Poaching is a gentle cooking method that keeps haddock moist and tender.
Poached Haddock in a White Wine Sauce
Ingredients:
- 4 haddock fillets
- 2 cups fish stock or water
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 small onion, sliced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, combine fish stock, white wine, bay leaf, onion, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Add haddock fillets and poach for 5–7 minutes, or until fish is opaque and flakes easily.
- Remove from the poaching liquid and serve with a drizzle of the broth and fresh herbs.
Tips for Cooking Haddock
- Avoid overcooking: Haddock is best when it flakes easily but remains moist.
- Season well: Mild-flavoured fish benefits from fresh herbs, citrus, and spices.
- Pair with complementary sides: Serve haddock with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Cooking haddock at home is simple and rewarding. Whether you prefer baking, frying, grilling, or poaching, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this nutritious fish. Try out these recipes and experiment with your own flavour combinations for a delicious seafood experience. Happy cooking!
