Now That You’ve Caught Your Rockfish: Three Delicious Recipes to Cook Your Catch
Rockfishing is not only a thrilling pursuit but also a gateway to some of the tastiest, most versatile fish in the ocean. After a day of hard work reeling in your catch from the depths, it’s time to take your rockfish from the water to the kitchen. Known for their mild, slightly sweet flavor and firm, flaky texture, rockfish are a culinary delight that lend themselves to a wide variety of cooking methods and recipes.
Rockfish come in several species, all of which are equally delicious on the dinner table. Popular species include Vermilion Rockfish (Red Snapper), with its bright red skin and lean white flesh, Black Rockfish, which is often found in shallower waters and has a slightly meatier texture, and the Canary Rockfish, known for its orange-yellow color and firm flesh. No matter the species, rockfish is a favorite among anglers and chefs alike, as its mild flavor pairs well with a range of bold seasonings and ingredients. Here, we’ll introduce three delicious recipes that showcase the versatility of rockfish and are perfect for the fish you’ve just brought home.
Recipe 1: Crunchy Lemon and Herb Baked Rockfish with Creamy Caper Sauce
This baked rockfish recipe is perfect for those chilly winter nights when you crave a warm, satisfying meal. The combination of crispy, herb-coated rockfish paired with a creamy caper sauce makes for a delicious, well-balanced dish. Serve it with roasted broccoli, a seasonal winter vegetable, or any other veggie of your choice.
Ingredients:
- 4 rockfish fillets
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
For the Creamy Caper Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp capers, chopped
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, lemon zest, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt and pepper. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
- Pat the rockfish fillets dry, season them with salt and pepper, then press each fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly. Place the fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the breadcrumbs are golden and crunchy.
- While the fish is baking, prepare the creamy caper sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, chopped capers, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
- Serve the baked rockfish with a generous drizzle of the creamy caper sauce and a side of roasted broccoli or your favorite winter vegetable. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
Recipe 2: Air Fryer Rockfish Tacos with Corn Salsa
If you’re craving something fresh and a bit lighter, these Air Fryer Rockfish Tacos with Corn Salsa are a great choice. The rockfish becomes crispy and tender in the air fryer, and when paired with zesty corn salsa, it makes for the perfect taco night treat.
Ingredients:
- 4 rockfish fillets
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small tortillas
- Lime wedges for serving
For the Corn Salsa:
- 1 cup fresh or canned corn, drained
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the rockfish fillets dry and season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Place the seasoned rockfish fillets in the air fryer and cook for 8-10 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and slightly crispy on the outside.
- While the fish is cooking, prepare the corn salsa by mixing the corn, red onion, cherry tomatoes, jalapeño, lime juice, cilantro, salt and pepper in a bowl.
- Once the fish is done, assemble the tacos by placing pieces of the air-fried rockfish in the tortillas and topping with the fresh corn salsa. Serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Recipe 3: Coconut Curry with Poached Rockfish
For a dish that’s comforting and full of bold flavors, this Coconut Curry with Poached Rockfish is a must-try. The creamy coconut base, infused with curry spices, is the perfect complement to the tender rockfish, creating a hearty and warming meal for cooler evenings.
Ingredients:
- 4 rockfish fillets
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
Instructions:
- In a large pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, ginger, curry powder and turmeric, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the sliced bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes, then pour in coconut milk, fish sauce and lime juice. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the rockfish fillets to the simmering curry sauce, ensuring they are submerged. Cover the pan and poach the fish for about 5-7 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve the poached rockfish and coconut curry over jasmine rice, garnishing with fresh cilantro.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to rockfishing, preparing your catch is one of the most rewarding aspects of the sport. Rockfish’s mild, flaky texture makes it an incredibly versatile ingredient, able to stand up to a variety of flavor profiles and cooking methods. Whether you’re baking it with herbs, air-frying it for crispy tacos or poaching it in a flavorful coconut curry, these recipes will turn your freshly caught rockfish into delicious meals that your family and friends will love.
Next time you reel in a rockfish, remember these three recipes and turn your hard-earned catch into a culinary masterpiece!