6 Best Rockfish Recipes in 2024: Super Easy to Cook

Rockfish is a versatile fish that deserves a spot in your meal rotation. With its mild flavor and firm texture, it can easily take the place of more familiar options like bass, salmon, or halibut. Whether baked, grilled, or pan-seared, rockfish pairs well with a variety of spices, sauces, and sides, making it perfect for trying out new recipes.

Not only is rockfish delicious, but it’s also a nutritious choice. It’s high in protein, low in fat, and packed with essential nutrients like selenium and vitamin D. Adding rockfish to your meals gives you a healthy option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

These 6 easy recipes will help you make the most of this fantastic fish without spending too much time in the kitchen. From quick dinners to flavorful new dishes, you'll find options here that are simple to prepare and family-friendly. Dive in and discover how rockfish can become a new favorite at your table!

1. Herb-Crusted Rockfish

Ingredients 📃

• 4 rockfish filets

• 1 egg

• ¼ cup rice flour

• Seasoning

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1 bunch thyme

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp butter

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 clove crushed garlic

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Beat the egg in a medium bowl, pick the thyme leaves off the stems, and discard the stems.

2. Place the thyme leaves on a plate and mix in the panko breadcrumbs.

3. Add the rice flour and seasoning to a plate and stir to combine.

4. Pat the rockfish filets dry with a paper towel and season on both sides.

5. Coat the filets in the flour, then the egg, press into the breadcrumbs, and then transfer to a separate plate.

6. Heat the olive oil in a pan on medium-high heat, then cook the breaded filets for 2 to 3 minutes on each side.

7. In the same pan, melt the butter, then add the garlic, lemon juice, and 2 tbsp water to make a sauce to serve with the rockfish.

Overview

A gourmet-inspired dish that's sure to impress, the Herb-Crusted Rockfish combines tender filets with a crispy panko and thyme coating. Seasoned and pan-fried, the rockfish achieves a golden, crunchy crust, bringing restaurant-quality flavor to your table.

The sauce brings everything together and is easy to customize. It’s prepared with a mix of butter, garlic, lemon juice, and water and is made in the same pan as the fish to soak up all the flavors. Adjust the ingredients to your taste. For example, you could add some chili flakes for heat or capers for a salty tang.

Try serving it with kale and buttery mashed potatoes for a perfect pairing. These sides, as suggested in Blue Apron's recipe, add freshness and comfort, rounding out the meal into a delicious, well-balanced experience.

2. Rockfish Tacos

Ingredients 📃

• 1 lb rockfish filets, chopped

• 2 tsp chili powder

• Seasoning

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• 1 egg

• 12 6-inch tortillas

• 4 cups shredded cabbage

• 1 chopped avocado

• 4 scallions, thinly sliced

• ⅓ cup chopped cilantro

• ½ cup yogurt

• ¼ cup mayo

• 1 tsp hot sauce

• Lime juice from 2 limes

• 1 tbsp olive oil, for frying

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Bread the rockfish pieces by coating in seasoned flour with chili powder, dipping in beaten egg, and pressing the pieces in breadcrumbs. Transfer to a separate plate.

2. Make the sauce by mixing the yogurt, mayo, hot sauce, and lime juice. 

3. Add the sauce to a bowl of shredded cabbage, saving the remaining sauce to drizzle on the tacos later.

4. Heat the tacos on a skillet for 30 seconds on each side and keep them warm by wrapping in a clean dish towel.

5. Warm oil in a skillet on a medium-high heat, then cook the fish pieces for 3 minutes on each side until cooked.

6. Assemble the tacos with the breaded rockfish, cabbage mix, chopped avocado, scallions, and cilantro. Drizzle on the remaining sauce to serve.

Overview

Rockfish Tacos are great for entertaining, offering a mix of crispy fish, fresh slaw, and zesty sauce in warm tortillas. They're simple to assemble and packed with flavor, making them perfect for sharing with friends.

The veggies and sauces can be easily customized. Swap cabbage for lettuce or add pickled onions for tang. Try a mango salsa instead of avocado, or add more hot sauce for an extra kick. The options are endless!

Switch things up by using a different white fish or even try shrimp. Cod, tilapia, or halibut work well, and shrimp cooks quickly for a tasty variation. This keeps the tacos fresh and exciting every time.

3. Bayou-Spiced Rockfish

Ingredients 📃

• 24 oz rockfish

• 2 tbsp bayou-spice blend

• 2 tbsp butter

• Seasoning

• ¼ oz chives, chopped

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Heat the butter in a skillet and season the rockfish on all sides with the bayou-spice blend and the seasoning.

2. Add the fish to the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until cooked through.

3. Plate the fish and sprinkle it with chopped chives.

4. Serve the rockfish with your choice of sides.

Overview

Bayou-Spiced Rockfish is the best Southern-inspired dish for those who love bold flavors. Coated in a bayou-spice blend and pan-seared in butter, the rockfish takes on a rich, spicy crust while staying tender and juicy inside.

Serve it with Southern succotash and roasted potatoes for a complete meal, as suggested in the HelloFresh recipe. The succotash adds a fresh, buttery mix of corn and green beans, while the roasted potatoes offer a hearty, satisfying side.

This recipe is incredibly easy to make. With just a few ingredients and quick cooking time, it’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a last-minute dinner that delivers big on flavor without much effort.

4. Rockfish Fish Cakes

Ingredients 📃

• 1 lb rockfish

• 1 cup mashed potatoes

• 2 eggs

• Small bunch of parsley, chopped

• ½ a lemon, juiced

• Seasoning

• Spices (smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder)

• ¾ cup breadcrumbs 

• Vegetable oil, for frying

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Add all the ingredients (apart from the breadcrumbs) into a large bowl and mix to combine and break the fish apart.

2. Portion the mixture into 16 patties.

3. Add the breadcrumbs to a large plate and press each patty into the crumbs to coat them.

4. Add oil to a large skillet and heat to a medium-high heat. 

5. Fry the rockfish cakes in batches and drain on kitchen paper before serving.

Overview

Rockfish Fish Cakes are a great recipe to make with the kids. Mixing the ingredients, shaping the patties, and coating them in breadcrumbs are fun, hands-on tasks that little ones will enjoy. It's a simple and interactive way to get them involved in the kitchen.

You can easily make these fish cakes with a mix of rockfish and other fish, such as cod, salmon, or tilapia. This flexibility allows you to use what you have on hand and can add different flavors and textures to the cakes, making them even more delicious.

Serve the fish cakes with tartar sauce or other tasty options, like a zesty lemon aioli, sweet chili sauce, or a classic garlic yogurt dip. These sauces add extra flavor and make the fish cakes even more satisfying as a snack or main dish.

5. Mediterranean Baked Rockfish

Ingredients 📃

• 2 rockfish filets

• 4 cups of spinach

• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved

• ½ cup olives

• 1 tbsp capers

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

• ½ cup of vegetable broth

• Seasoning

• Fresh herbs (oregano, basil, sage)

• 1 lemon, sliced

• 1 tbsp butter

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.

2. In a 2-quart baking dish, layer spinach, then place filets on top.

3. Scatter tomatoes, olives, and capers around the fish.

4. Pour in the vegetable broth, then add seasoning, fresh herbs of your choice, and lemon slices.

5. Top the filets with butter and cover the dish in aluminum foil.

6. Bake for 30 to 25 minutes until the fish is cooked through. 

Overview

Mediterranean-Baked Rockfish is an easy, one-dish recipe. This makes both preparation and cleanup a breeze. With everything baked together in a single baking dish, the flavors meld perfectly, making this a simple yet flavorful meal ideal for busy weeknights or a hassle-free dinner.

You can easily switch up the veggies to suit your taste or what's available. Instead of spinach, try using kale or Swiss chard for a heartier green. You can also add bell peppers, zucchini, or artichoke hearts for more Mediterranean flair and a variety of textures.

Serve this dish with rice or other options like quinoa, couscous, or crusty bread. These sides soak up the flavorful broth and juices from the baked fish and vegetables, completing a satisfying, balanced meal that everyone will love.

6. Rockfish Chowder

Ingredients 📃

• 1 lb rockfish pieces

• ½ cup green onion, diced

• ½ cup carrots, finely diced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

• 4 oz cream cheese

• 1 can of condensed potato soup

• 1 can of condensed mushroom soup

• 1 cup frozen corn

• Seasoning to taste

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. In a large pot, saute the carrots and onion in oil until tender.

2. Add the garlic, cream cheese, and cans of condensed soup, and stir until the cheese has melted.

3. Add the rockfish pieces and bring to the boil, then simmer for 10 minutes, stirring constantly.

4. Add the corn and seasoning to heat before serving.

Overview

Rockfish Chowder is a great comfort dish that’s warm, creamy, and perfect for cozy nights in. The combination of tender rockfish pieces, sautéed vegetables, and a rich, creamy base makes for a satisfying bowl of chowder that’s sure to please.

Using condensed soups makes it easy to add depth and flavor without a lot of effort. The condensed potato and mushroom soups provide a thick, velvety texture, while the cream cheese adds a touch of richness. This combination simplifies the cooking process while delivering a hearty, flavorful chowder.

Serve this chowder with crusty bread and a dash of Tabasco sauce for an extra kick. The bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy broth, and the hot sauce adds a bit of spice, balancing out the creamy flavors and making each bite even more delicious.

FAQ

What’s the best way to use rockfish?

The best way to use rockfish is to bake, grill, or pan-sear it. Its mild flavor and firm texture hold up well with bold seasonings, marinades, and sauces. You can use it in a variety of dishes, from fish tacos and seafood stews to chowders and casseroles, where it absorbs flavors well and stays tender.

Is rockfish a good fish to eat?

Yes, rockfish is a nutritious choice. It’s low in fat, high in protein, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health. Rockfish also contains essential vitamins like B12 and minerals such as selenium, making it a healthy option for regular meals.

Is rockfish better than tilapia?

Rockfish is often considered better than tilapia due to its firmer texture and richer flavor, which works well in more complex dishes. It’s also less prone to overcooking and retains its moisture. While both are good sources of protein, rockfish offers a more distinct taste.

What’s another name for rockfish?

Another name for rockfish is "striped bass" on the East Coast or "Pacific snapper" on the West Coast. The term "rockfish" can refer to multiple species, and names may vary by region, but all share a firm texture and mild flavor suitable for various recipes.