Delicious Baked Striped Bass Recipe: Easy, Flaky, and Family-Approved
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of a fresh catch, especially during the crisp season of ice fishing here in the Midwest. This past winter, my youngest son, Dominic, received some new ice fishing gear – two tip-ups and two poles for Christmas. Eager to try them out, he and his dad ventured out onto the ice, bringing home a fantastic haul: a dozen small, vibrant striped bass. This unexpected bounty immediately sent me on a quest for the perfect striped bass recipe to celebrate their successful day.
Fishing, whether it’s through a hole in the ice or casting a line from a boat, connects us to our food in a truly special way. The journey from the water to the plate is incredibly rewarding, and these small striped bass, often referred to as “stripers,” were no exception. Their fresh, clean flavor is a delight, making them a superb choice for a light yet satisfying meal. For many, striped bass is a coveted catch, prized for its firm, white, and flaky flesh that stands up beautifully to various cooking methods. For me, the challenge was to create a recipe that honored their freshness and simplicity, using ingredients I already had on hand.
Crafting the Perfect Baked Striped Bass: A Story of Inspiration and Improv
My culinary adventure began with a quick search on Google and a chat with my good friend Suzanne, who always has a knack for simple, delicious ideas. Together, we brainstormed a baked striper recipe that utilized ingredients readily available in my pantry. These particular fish were quite small, each measuring only about seven inches long, which meant their fillets were delicately sized. This influenced the cooking method, leaning towards a quicker bake to ensure they remained tender and moist without drying out.
The resulting dish was a perfect winter dinner, served alongside hearty skillet-fried potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts. The combination was nothing short of delicious! What truly surprised me was that even my husband, who typically shies away from seafood, absolutely loved it. That’s a strong testament to how flavorful and approachable this baked striped bass recipe turned out to be.
A Note on Measurements: The Art of “Eyeballing”
It’s important to mention that this isn’t a traditional recipe with precise measurements for every single ingredient. Given the small size of the fillets and the impromptu nature of its creation, I adopted an “eyeball” approach. This method encourages you to trust your instincts and adjust seasonings to your personal preference, making it a very forgiving recipe. Don’t be afraid to experiment a little, especially with the spices. The goal is a perfectly seasoned, flaky piece of fish, and sometimes that’s best achieved by taste.
Ingredient Spotlight: Building Flavors for Your Baked Striper
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in enhancing the natural flavor of the striped bass. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why it works:
- Striper Fillets (No Skins): The star of our dish. Removing the skin ensures a more delicate texture and allows the seasonings to penetrate better.
- Dried Garlic Seasoning: Garlic is a universal flavor enhancer, and a good quality dried garlic seasoning (like “Garlic Garlic” from Tastefully Simple, which I used) adds a robust base. If you don’t have a blended seasoning, garlic powder or finely minced fresh garlic will also work beautifully.
- Chopped Chives: These provide a mild, fresh oniony flavor and a touch of vibrant green, elevating the visual appeal and adding a subtle herbaceous note. Fresh parsley or dill could be lovely alternatives.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning any dish. Always season to taste, remembering you can add more but can’t take away.
- Unsalted Butter (3 tablespoons, cut into small pieces): Butter adds richness, moisture, and a luxurious mouthfeel. Cutting it into small pieces helps it melt evenly over the fillets, basting them as they bake.
- Half of a Lemon: Fresh lemon juice is a must for fish. Its bright acidity cuts through the richness of the butter and enhances the fish’s natural flavors, keeping it light and fresh.
- Medium Onion (cut into rings): These onion rings form a fragrant bed for the fish. As they bake, they caramelize slightly, releasing sweet aromas and flavors that infuse into the fish. They also help prevent the fish from sticking to the pan and keep it moist.
Regarding the Tastefully Simple products mentioned: I don’t sell them, nor is this a sponsored review. Last year, I simply acquired some seasonings at a neighbor’s party and found them to be excellent for this recipe. If you’re considering attending a Tastefully Simple party, I’d say go for it; they offer some quality products!
The Baked Striper Recipe: Step-by-Step to Flaky Perfection
This method ensures your striped bass fillets are cooked perfectly – tender, moist, and flaky with a delicious depth of flavor.
Instructions:
- Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature helps cook the fish quickly and evenly. Lightly spray a 13×9 inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the onion rings evenly across the bottom of the pan; they will act as a flavorful and aromatic bed for your fish.
- Sear the Fillets: Gently rinse your striped bass fillets under cold water and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. Drying is key for a good sear. Heat a small amount of canola oil (or your preferred high-heat cooking oil) in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear both sides of the fillets quickly, just enough to get a light golden crust – about 1-2 minutes per side. This step adds a layer of flavor and helps the fish hold its shape. Transfer the seared fillets directly onto the bed of onion rings in your prepared baking pan.
- Season and Bake: Generously sprinkle the fillets with your dried garlic seasoning, chopped chives, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Remember, this is an “eyeball” recipe, so adjust to your taste! Distribute the small pieces of unsalted butter evenly over each fillet. Finally, squeeze the juice from half a lemon over all the fillets. This combination of butter and lemon will create a lovely sauce as the fish bakes. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook, as smaller fillets will cook faster.
Complementing Your Meal: Skillet Fried Potatoes
To accompany our delicious baked striper, I prepared skillet-fried potatoes, a comforting and flavorful side that pairs perfectly with the light fish. Since fish cooks relatively quickly, I pre-cooked the potatoes slightly to ensure everything was ready at the same time.
Here’s how I made them:
- Pre-cook the Potatoes: I peeled and cubed the potatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces. To give them a head start, I microwaved them for about 6-7 minutes. This partially cooks them, drastically cutting down on skillet time and ensuring they’re tender inside.
- Flavor Base: While the potatoes were microwaving, I finely diced half a small onion. Once the fillets were seared and removed from the cast iron pan (the same pan!), I added a bit more canola oil. Then, I tossed in the partially cooked potatoes and diced onion.
- Season and Fry: I seasoned the potatoes with some Dried Tomato & Garlic Pesto Mix (another Tastefully Simple favorite that adds a punch of savory, aromatic flavor). I cooked them, stirring occasionally, until they began to brown nicely on both sides.
- Finish with Butter: For extra richness and a beautiful finish, I added 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet, letting it melt and coat the potatoes as they finished browning. The fish went into the oven shortly after the potatoes hit the skillet, ensuring both components of the meal were ready around the same time.
The combination of the delicate, flaky baked striped bass, the savory skillet potatoes, and a fresh vegetable like Brussels sprouts creates a well-rounded and deeply satisfying meal. It’s a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create something truly memorable, even for those who claim not to love fish!
More Fish and Seafood Recipes to Explore
If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy seafood, here are some other fantastic recipes:
More Salmon and Fish Recipes
- Fish Chowder
- Salmon Tacos
- Skillet Broiled Cod
- Beer Battered Fish
- Sheet Pan Salmon Dinner
- Dijon Lemon Caper Salmon
- Baked Salmon
Baked Striper (Striped Bass)
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- striper filets no skins
- dried garlic seasoning I used Garlic Garlic from Tastefully Simple
- chopped chives
- salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into small pieces
- half of a lemon
- 1 medium onion cut into rings
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 F. Spray a 13 x 9 pan with cooking spray. Line the bottom of the pan with onion rings.
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Rinse the striper filets and pat dry. Sear both sides of the filets in hot canola oil in a cast iron skillet, then place filets on the bed of onions.
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Sprinkle the filets with garlic seasoning, chopped chives, salt and pepper to taste. Put the butter bits over the filets then squeeze the juice from the half a lemon all over the filets. Place in the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until white and flakey.
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
Tips for Success and Variations
- Fish Size Matters: As mentioned, our fillets were small. If you’re working with larger striped bass fillets, you might need to increase the baking time slightly. Always check for flakiness with a fork as your primary indicator of doneness.
- Alternative Seasonings: Feel free to customize. Lemon pepper, Old Bay seasoning, dried dill, or even a touch of paprika can add different dimensions to the flavor profile.
- Vegetable Bed Alternatives: Instead of or in addition to onions, consider thinly sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for a different twist and added nutrients.
- Healthy Options: For a lighter version, you can reduce the butter and use olive oil instead.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure the fish fillets have enough space in the baking pan for even cooking. If you have a large quantity, consider using two pans or baking in batches.
Why Choose Striped Bass? Health Benefits of Eating Fish
Beyond its delicious taste, striped bass is a fantastic choice for a healthy diet. It’s a lean protein source, rich in essential nutrients, including:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Known for their heart-healthy benefits, supporting brain function and reducing inflammation.
- Lean Protein: Crucial for muscle repair and growth, keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Including Vitamin D, B vitamins (B12, niacin), selenium, and phosphorus, all vital for various bodily functions.
Incorporating fish like striped bass into your weekly meals is a great way to boost your nutritional intake and enjoy a wide array of flavors.
Conclusion: A Taste of Freshness, A Memory Made
This baked striped bass recipe isn’t just about preparing a meal; it’s about celebrating a fresh catch, enjoying quality time with family, and discovering how simple, wholesome ingredients can create culinary magic. The delightful flavors, combined with the ease of preparation, make this a go-to recipe for any occasion, proving that even seafood skeptics can be won over by a perfectly cooked fish dish.
We hope you enjoy this easy and flavorful baked striped bass as much as my family did. It’s a dish that truly brings the fresh taste of the water to your dinner table.
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