How to Cook Hake

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Hake is a lean, delicate white fish similar to common catches like haddock, cod, flounder, and halibut. Its mild taste and texture makes it well-suited for being prepared any number of ways, whether it's in the oven, on the stove, or in the frying pan. No matter what method you use, the most important thing is to cook the fish until the meat is white and flaky and the silvery skin just begins to crisp.

Ingredients

Baked Hake

  • Hake fillets (cleaned and boned)
  • Olive oil
  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper
  • Assorted herbs and spices (to taste)
  • Vegetables of choice

Poached Hake

  • Hake fillets (cleaned and boned)
  • Water
  • Broth or stock
  • Diced onions, carrots, and celery
  • Aromatic spices (lemon slices, whole peppercorns, bay leaves, allspice, etc.)

Pan-Fried Hake

  • Hake fillets (cleaned and boned)
  • Frying oil
  • Salt, pepper, and other spices (to taste)
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Making Baked Hake

PDF download Download Article
  1. Set the oven to bake or convection and allow it to begin warming up as you get the rest of your ingredients together. Hake is a delicate fish that doesn’t take long to cook through, so it’s best to use a moderate temperature to prevent it from getting too done.
    • Baking hake highlights the fish’s natural flavor without contributing unnecessary calories.
  2. Make sure the skin side is facing down so that the meat is visible. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the fillets to keep them from sticking.The foil will trap in moisture, preventing the hake from drying out in the heat of the oven. [1]
    • Make sure the foil you're using can go in the oven safely.
    • Leave the top of the foil open for now in case you decide to thrown in a few herbs, spices, or vegetables for steaming.
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Hake
    Sprinkle the hake with kosher salt, black pepper, lemon zest, or other spices to taste. If you want, you can also add pungent vegetables or herbs to each packet. The fish will absorb the flavors of the other components as it cooks, giving a little more depth. [2]
    • Onions, garlic, capers, and herbs like parsley and dill are all popular companions for baked hake.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Hake
    Once you’ve seasoned the hake, seal up each of the packet to ensure that they'll hold in heat. Enclosing the fillets in foil will also keep any liquid from leaking out while they're baking, which means juicier fish and faster cleanup. [3]
    • Avoid wrapping the fish too tight. This could mash it and ruin its natural texture.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Hake
    Leave 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) of space between them for the heat to circulate. You should be able to fit at least half a dozen average-sized fillets on a single baking sheet. If you're preparing enough for a crowd, you might need to pull out a second sheet or do your baking in batches.
    • If you're worried about the foil sticking, brush the surface of the baking sheet with a light coating of oil before laying out the packets.
  6. Slide the baking sheet onto the center rack. Then, set a timer to remind you to check the fish’s progress after the first 10 minutes. If the fillets look like they need a little more time, pop them back into the oven for 2-3 minutes. [4]
    • When properly cooked, the meat should be white and flaky, and give way easily under a fork.
    • Be careful not to overcook the hake. Since it has such a light consistency, it can go from done to overdone in a matter of minutes.
  7. Plate the fillets alongside a mound of rice pilaf or quinoa and a colorful tossed salad. For a heartier meal, try pairing the fish with steamed seasonal veggies, red potato salad, or corn on the cob. Garnish with a lemon wedge or sprig of parsley and enjoy!
    • Make condiments like tartar sauce or lemon butter available for diners who prefer to dress up their fish. [5]
    • Put away your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When properly stored, cooked fish should last 3-4 days. [6]
    8. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Making Poached Hake

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Hake
    Run 7 ounces of water (about 200 ml) into the saucepan, then top it off with a splash of broth or stock. Make sure you use enough liquid to completely cover the fillets. Add your choice of aromatics, such as lemon slices, whole peppercorns, bay leaves, and allspice. [7]
    • For a tangier poaching liquid, you can also use white wine in place of the broth or stock.
    • Traditionally, a mixture of diced onion, carrots, and celery known as “ mirepoix ” is also incorporated into the poaching liquid. These ingredients can be useful for infusing your hake with a subtle savory flavor. [8]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Hake
    Place the saucepan on the cooktop over medium-high heat until it just begins to bubble. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes. This will give the various flavors a chance to mingle.
    • For best results, your poaching liquid should reach a temperature between 160–180 °F (71–82 °C) before you add the hake. [9]
    • Be careful not to let the liquid come to a full boil. High heat can cause the tender fish to disintegrate.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Hake
    Lower the fillets carefully to prevent splashing. They should lie flat against the cooking surface and be completely submerged. If you haven’t used quite enough liquid, pour in additional water, wine, broth or stock until the fillets are covered. [10]
    • If you run out of room in the pan, it may be necessary to cook the fish in batches.
  4. The hot poaching liquid will quickly cook the hake through without drying it out. Keep an eye on the fillets in the meantime. When the meat turns opaque and takes on a plump, juicy appearance, they’re ready to come out. [11]
    • Avoid stirring the fillets as they’re poaching. Handling them too much could cause them to fall apart.
    • Poaching is one of the fastest ways to prepare lighter types of fish like hake.
  5. Remove the fillets from the saucepan using a slotted spoon to strain the excess liquid. Place the fillets on a layer of folded paper towels to soak up any remaining moisture, then transfer them to individual plates for serving. Poached hake goes particularly well with bright, mild vegetables like tomatoes, mushrooms, and zucchini. [12]
    • Some buttery dinner rolls or a loaf of crusty, fresh-baked bread can help balance out the moistness of the fish nicely.
    • Poach fish is best enjoyed fresh. However, any uneaten portions should keep for 2-3 days in the refrigerator when stored along with the remaining poaching liquid.
    6. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Making Pan-Fried Hake

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Hake
    Place the skillet on the cooktop over medium heat and drizzle in just enough oil to cover the bottom. You’ll know it’s reached the right temperature when it begins to shimmer and smoke faintly. [13]
    • Oils with high smoke points, such as olive, canola, or vegetable oil, tend to be best for pan frying. [14]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Hake
    The fish will begin sizzling as soon as it comes into contact with the hot oil, so be sure to release it as close to the pan as possible to safeguard yourself from pops and splatters. Situate the fillets roughly half an inch (2.7 cm) apart to prevent crowding or sticking. [15]
    • You may only be able to fit 1-2 fillets in the skillet at a time, depending on the size of the fish and your cookware.
    • A pair of tongs can come in handy if you’re worried about being burned.
  3. This should be just enough time to get the exterior nice and crispy. Allow the fish to cook until the meat just above the skin begins to turn white. [16]
    • Hake is typically eaten with the skin on, similar to heartier fish like salmon or bass.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Cook Hake
    Slide your spatula under the fillets and give them a flip. Press the spatula firmly against the top of each fillet for a moment until you feel it relax. This will help the underside sear evenly and loosen up the meat for a more tender bite. [17]
    • Make sure you separate the skin from the pan prior to turning. Otherwise, it can easily stick and lead to breaking and tearing.
    • Always use a spatula to flip fish rather than tongs. Not only is it easier, it also makes you less likely to mangle your main course in the process, improving its presentation.
  5. The hake should only require another minute or so to finish cooking after being turned. Use the edge of your spatula to cut partway into a piece to see how it’s coming along. The interior should be white and flaky, with a light browning on both sides. [18]
    • The fillets will be very hot when they first come out of the pan. It’s a good idea to give them a minute or two to cool down before you begin eating.
  6. Whip up some crowd-pleasers like garlic mashed potatoes or sautéed spinach to round out the meal. For a lighter touch, slice a couple tomatoes or a put together a root vegetable medley instead. Pull up a chair and help yourself while it’s hot! [19]
    • Rich cream sauces can make an excellent compliment to the crisp, golden-brown fillets.
    • Stash your leftovers in the refrigerator and try to consume them within 3-4 days. Reheat the fried fish under the broiler in your oven or in a pan with fresh oil to preserve its tender texture and prevent it from becoming soggy. [20]
    7. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • When shopping for fresh hake, look for fish that have already been boned and filleted. This can cut down considerable on your overall prep time.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Use a light touch with spices and seasonings to avoid overpowering the flavor of the fish.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Hake can also be used in dishes that call for other tender white fish like cod, haddock, flounder, trout, or halibut.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Due to the growing popularity of the fish, hake populations have recently been on the decline in some areas. Wildlife authorities recommend that seafood enthusiasts limit the amount of hake they eat during the fish’s mating season, which usually falls between late February and early July.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Oven
      • Large baking sheet
      • Deep saucepan
      • Nonstick skillet
      • Spatula
      • Tongs
      • Slotted spoon
      • Aluminum foil
      • Paper towels

      You Might Also Like

      Is Your Fish Good to Eat? Signs of Spoilage & Storage Tips
      How to
      Eat Mussels
      Easy Ways to Store Mussels in the Refrigerator & Freezer
      How to
      Cook Smoked Haddock
      The Best Methods to Cook Frozen Sea or Bay Scallops
      How to
      Clean/Gut a Fish
      How to
      Eat Sea Urchins
      The Best Ways to Cook Catfish
      3 Delicious Ways to Cook Wahoo (Ono)
      How to
      Store Fresh Oysters
      How to
      Cook Fish Roe
      The Best Way to Peel and Eat Boiled Crawfish
      How to
      Poach Fish in Milk
      How to
      Clean Octopus
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about cooking, check out our in-depth interview with Jennifer Levasseur .

      References

      1. ↑ https://thesilverchicken.wordpress.com/2011/07/21/hake-in-a-parcel/
      2. ↑ https://drizzleanddip.com/2010/06/01/oven-baked-hake-with-basil-lime-ginger-and-garlic/
      3. ↑ https://thesilverchicken.wordpress.com/2011/07/21/hake-in-a-parcel/
      4. ↑ https://thesilverchicken.wordpress.com/2011/07/21/hake-in-a-parcel/
      5. ↑ https://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/easy-lemon-butter-sauce-for-fish-and-seafood-427264
      6. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/food/how-long-food-last
      7. ↑ https://www.reluctantgourmet.com/poaching-eggs-meat-chicken-fish-and-vegetables/
      8. ↑ https://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-food/mirepoix-this-simple-veggie-trio-will-change-the-way-you-cook/
      9. ↑ https://www.reluctantgourmet.com/poaching-eggs-meat-chicken-fish-and-vegetables/
      1. ↑ https://www.bordbia.ie/consumer/recipes/fish/pages/poachedhake-mustardandhoneydressing.aspx
      2. ↑ https://www.tablespoon.com/posts/how-to-poach-fish
      3. ↑ https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/olive-oil-poached-hake-sauteed-zucchini-tomatoes
      4. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/how-to/article/how-to-get-crispy-fish-skin-pan
      5. ↑ https://www.goodfood.com.au/good-health/are-you-cooking-with-the-right-oil-20150708-gi1agi
      6. ↑ https://www.bordbia.ie/consumer/recipes/fish/pages/panfriedhake.aspx
      7. ↑ https://www.greatbritishchefs.com/how-to-cook/how-to-pan-fry-hake
      8. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/how-to/article/how-to-get-crispy-fish-skin-pan
      9. ↑ https://www.greatbritishchefs.com/how-to-cook/how-to-pan-fry-hake
      10. ↑ https://www.tastingtable.com/cook/national/best-fish-seafood-side-dishes
      11. ↑ https://www.cooksillustrated.com/how_tos/10218-best-way-to-reheat-fried-chicken

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To cook hake in the oven, start by brushing olive oil over each fillet and placing the fillets on individual sheets of aluminum foil, skin side down. Then, season the fish with salt, pepper, lemon zest, or any other spices you'd like, and wrap the aluminum foil around them, twisting the ends closed. Next, spread the wrapped fillets out on a baking sheet. Finally, bake the fish for 10-12 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. To learn how to poach or pan-fry hake, scroll down!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 138,213 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Eric Hurner

        Nov 14, 2021

        "Was delicious, very easy to prepare and takes less time than making the equivalent vegetable side dishes ..." more
        Rated this article:
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement