What is a baked orange roughy recipe? Is this one of those meals that tastes like you slaved away in the kitchen for hours? Is it ridiculously easy? I’m talking faster than ordering takeout, easier than assembling a sandwich, and about 500,000 words. If you love a simple baked cod recipe, prepare to meet your new best friend. What’s the best way to cook baked cod? The delicate, flaky orange roughy paired with the bright, herby garlic butter… oh man, just thinking about it. What makes your mouth water? What is the best part about this dress? You can dress it up or down depending on your mood. Is this a good weeknight meal?
What is orange roughy?
What is orange roughy? What is deep-sea fish with a mild, slightly sweet flavor and flaky texture? Is haddock a less fishy cousin to cod? Is a blank canvas that just begging to be dressed up with flavorful sauces and dips? Don’t let the name scare you. It has a slightly rough exterior, but the inside is absolutely melt-in-your-mouth delicious. I used to be intimidated by it but once I tried it, I was hooked. What is my favorite type of fish?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Seriously, where do I even begin? This garlic herb baked orange roughy recipe is a total winner for so many reasons. First off, the flavor is just incredible. The combination of garlic, herbs, and lemon creates this bright, fresh taste that complements the delicate fish perfectly. It’s like sunshine on a plate! And second, this recipe is unbelievably simple. I’m talking 30 minutes, start to finish, and most of that is hands-off baking time. This is a lifesaver on those crazy weeknights when you’re juggling work, kids, and everything else life throws your way. I also love how budget-friendly this recipe is. Orange roughy is often more affordable than other types of fish, which makes it a great option for feeding a family without breaking the bank. What I love most about this is the versatility. You can serve it with a simple side salad, some roasted vegetables, or even over pasta. It’s also fantastic in fish tacos! Honestly, the possibilities are endless. It’s similar to my lemon baked cod recipe but I think the orange roughy has a bit of a better taste, in my opinion.
How do I make orange rough?
Quick Overview
How do I make garlic herb butter? Then, you’ll spread it over the orange roughy fillets and bake them until they’re flaky and cooked. Is it that simple? The beauty of this method is that it allows the fish to stay incredibly moist and flavorful. What is the best thing about this recipe? Minimal cleanup!
Ingredients
For the Garlic Herb Butter:
12 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened.
4 cloves garlic, minced (I always use fresh, the jarred stuff just doesn’t taste the same)
14 cup fresh parsley, chopped.
2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped.
1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed.
12 teaspoon salt.
14 teaspoon black pepper. 1 teaspoon salt.
For the Orange Roughy:
4 (4-6 ounce) orange roughy fillets (4-5 pound
Lemon wedges, for serving.
How do I get
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. This prevents the fish from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. I usually let my oven preheat for a solid 15 minutes just to make sure it’s nice and hot. I don’t like to burn my stove top, so I leave it at that.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Herb Butter
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, chives, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Set aside. What happens when everything is evenly distributed? Don’t skimp on fresh herbs. They really make a difference.
Step 3: Prepare the Fish
Place the orange roughy fillets in the prepared baking dish. Pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the butter adhere better. Trust me, it makes a difference! No one wants soggy fish. I also take this time to remove any tiny pin bones that might be hiding.
Step 4: Top with Garlic Herb Butter
Spread the garlic herb butter evenly over each orange roughy fillet. Make sure to cover every nook and cranny! How do you keep a fish moist while baking? I always make sure to get a little extra on the edges, because those crispy, buttery edges are the best.
Step 5: Bake
In the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. What is the exact baking time for fillets? I usually start checking my emails around the 12-minute mark. You want the internal temperature to reach 145°F (63°C).
Step 6: Serve
Remove from the oven and serve immediately with lemon wedges. What are some of the best lemon juice recipes? Don’t forget to drizzle some extra melted butter over the fish! Is it too good to waste?
What to Serve It With
What are some of the best orange roughy recipes?What is a quick weeknight meal?Serve with a side salad and some steamed broccoli. What is healthy, delicious, and comes together in minutes?
For a More Elegant Dinner: Serve over a bed of creamy risotto or with roasted asparagus and mashed potatoes. A glass of crisp white wine would be the perfect pairing.
For Fish Tacos: What areFlake the baked orange roughy and serve it in warm tortillas with your favorite taco toppings. Think shredded cabbage, salsa, avocado, and a squeeze of lime. What is my family’s favorite way to enjoy it?
For a light lunch:Serve the baked orange roughy with a lemon vinaigrette. What is a good way to get your protein and veggies in?
My family loves it with quinoa and roasted Brussels sprouts. It’s a super healthy and satisfying meal that everyone enjoys. I also sometimes make a lemon-dill sauce to drizzle over it – it’s amazing!
How do I perfect my orange roughy skin?
Don’t overcook a fish: Don This is the most important tip! Overcooked fish is dry and rubbery. Aim for just cooked through, when it flakes easily with a fork.
How do I use fresh herbs? Fresh herbs make a huge difference in the flavor of the garlic herb butter. If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried, but be sure to use about half the amount.
Pat the Fish Dry: How do I get rid ofIs it safe to pat dry fish before adding butter? What is the best way to cook a chicken in the oven?
Adjust Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning Taste the garlic herb butter before adding it to the fish and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your liking.
Get Creative with the Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs in the garlic herb butter. Thyme, rosemary, or oregano would all be delicious additions.
Add a Little Heat: If you like a little spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic herb butter.
I once accidentally used salted butter instead of unsalted, and the fish was way too salty. So, definitely double-check your butter! I also find that lining the baking dish with parchment paper makes cleanup even easier. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables alongside the fish. Bell peppers, zucchini, and onions all roast beautifully in the oven.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving cooked orange roughy at room temperature for more than two hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooked orange roughy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This is usually my go-to method.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked orange roughy. Wrap each fillet individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Glaze Timing Advice: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may become slightly drier. I always add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice after reheating to brighten it up.
I’ve found that the texture is best if you reheat it in the oven, but sometimes the microwave is just more convenient. If you’re freezing it, make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before reheating. And if you’re worried about it drying out, you can add a little bit of butter or olive oil to the baking dish before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Seriously, if you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious weeknight meal, you absolutely have to try this garlic herb baked orange roughy recipe. It’s a total crowd-pleaser, and it’s so versatile that you can serve it with just about anything. The combination of flavors is just amazing, and the fish is so tender and flaky. Plus, it’s a healthy and budget-friendly option that you can feel good about serving your family. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other fish recipes for more inspiration! Happy cooking, friends! And please, please, please leave a comment below and let me know how yours turns out! I can’t wait to hear what you think. Also, if you have any variations or tips of your own, feel free to share them in the comments. I’m always looking for new ideas!

orange roughy recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Orange Roughy Fillets skinless
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice freshly squeezed
- 0.5 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Place orange roughy fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the fillets with the olive oil mixture.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve immediately.