New England Baked Haddock is one of the most traditional recipes that were served in New England since times immemorial. This is a very easy recipe yet rich in taste, served fresh haddock fillet with crispy buttered breadcrumb mixture.
That is why it is suitable for a week-night family dinner or a romantic dinner for two or any other VIP occasions. Please join me as I take you through step-by-step process on how to prepare the best New England Baked haddock.
Read it: What to Serve with Lettuce Wraps ? Best Side Dishes
Ingredients for New England Baked Haddock
To make this dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
• Live haddock fillets, or substitute with cod, pollock, or halibut.
• Butter, melted
• Breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Mayonnaise (optional)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)
Making the Breadcrumb Topping
1. Set the oven to 350°F / 175°C and melt one tablespoon of butter into a baking dish for greasing.
2. Put the haddock fillets into the baking dish in which you have prepared for them. In case the fillets have thin ends then you should fold them under so that they cook uniformly well.
3. Season the fillets with the right amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Baking the Haddock
1. In a small bowl mix the crumbs, butter, garlic, and black pepper or a small amount of salt. Stir gently until it evenly coats the breadcrumb with the butter.
2. If the choice is made to use mayonnaise smear this on the fillets, then cover the fillets with the breadcrumb mixture.
3. Lastly, spread the breadcrumb mixture uniformly over the haddock fillets to make sure that it sticks on the fish well.
Serving Suggestions
1. The haddock needs to be baked in the oven, having been preheated, for 15-20 minutes, or until it breaks easily with a folk, and the topping is crispy and a lovely shade of golden.
2. The internal temperature of the fish should reach 145°F (63°C) and this can best be done by use of a food thermometer.
3. It takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes to bake these fillets, you may have to alter the time depending on the thickness. The fillets may thus need a little longer time in the oven especially when thick ly sliced.
Variations and Substitutions
1. if you wish to make your breadcrumbs gluten free then you can replace the regular breadcrumbs with gluten free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
2. For more enhanced taste on the breadcrumb mixture, considering adding parmesan cheese, chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or dill or a pinch of paprika.
3. For some extra taste you can make use of crushed Ritz crackers instead of the breadcrumbs with 3 tablespoons of melted butter not 6 tablespoons.
Storing and Reheating
1. Any baked haddock that has been prepared before and is still remaining can be covered to avoid contact with air then stored in a refrigerator for a period of not more than three days.
2. To reheat, put the haddock into microwave safe dish, cover it with the foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for an additional 10 – 15 minutes or until done.
3. Do not reheat the haddock in the microwave to ensure the breadcrumb become wet and soft.
Key Takeaways
1. Always ensure that you use fresh haddock since this is very important in the preparation of the fish so that you get the right texture when it is being cooked.
2. As for the fillets, bake until it reaches either medium-rare, medium or well-done depending on the thickness of the fillets.
3. Check out the various breadcrumb toppings and recipes in order to find out what tastes the best to you.
4. This haddock can be best eaten hot straight from the oven together with any accompaniments of your desired to complete your meal.
FAQ
Will it be acceptable to use frozen haddock for this recipe?
Yes, it is possible to use frozen haddock fillets and here is how to prepare the haddock fillets for grilling make sure you buy fresh haddock fillets or if it is frozen make sure that it is thawed thoroughly before grilling. They must be thawed and this should take time depending on the size of the steaks so ensure to thaw them completely before preparing this recipe.
Do the thin ends of the haddock fillets need be folded over?I
t also means folding the thin ends under so as to have the fillets of equal thickness which is helpful when it comes to cooking. But if your fillets are of even thickness then it is not compulsory but highly recommended for better and easy handling of fillets.
May I know if it is possible to prepare the breadcrumb topping few hours or a day ahead of preparation?
Yes, it can, just as the breadcrumb topping can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. However just ensure that they are beaten again before placing the haddock fillets.
You’ve baked haddock and you’ve got leftovers, now you’re wondering how to reheat baked haddock?
If there is some paddock left, then reheat it in the oven with the help of foil cover in order not to make the topping wet.
Could I use other fish instead of haddock?
Absolutely! Haddock is used here traditionally, but feel free to use other flaky white fish such as cod, pollock or halibut.
Conclusion
Therefore, New England Baked Haddock can be recommended as tasty and very simple in preparation seafood meal that can be served on any occasions.
It is savory with crispy and buttery crust at the top and moist and tender fish at the bottom — a sure winner on the dinner table. Make sure you remember the following tips and guidelines to ensure that you end up will the best baked haddock.