How to Cook Hake

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

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1
Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C). 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
Wrap each fillet in a sheet of aluminium foil. 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]XResearch source}
- 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.
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3
Season the fillets. 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]XResearch source}
- Onions, garlic, capers, and herbs like parsley and dill are all popular companions for baked hake.
4
Fold or twist the ends of the foil closed. 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]XResearch source}
- Avoid wrapping the fish too tight. This could mash it and ruin its natural texture.
5
Arrange the wrapped fillets on a large baking sheet. 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
Place the hake in the oven for 10-12 minutes. 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]XResearch source}
- 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
Serve oven-baked hake with your favorite sides. 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]XResearch source}
- Put away your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When properly stored, cooked fish should last 3-4 days.^{[6]XResearch source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Making Poached Hake

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1
Fill a deep saucepan with 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) of poaching liquid. 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]XResearch source}
- 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]XResearch source}
2
Heat the poaching liquid to a low boil. 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]XResearch source}
- Be careful not to let the liquid come to a full boil. High heat can cause the tender fish to disintegrate.
3
Add the hake fillets to the pan in a single layer. 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]XResearch source}
- If you run out of room in the pan, it may be necessary to cook the fish in batches.
4
Stew the fillets for 10 minutes. 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]XResearch source}
- 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
Drain and serve the hake. 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]XResearch source}
- 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.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Making Pan-Fried Hake

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1
Heat 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of oil in a large skillet. 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]XResearch source}
- Oils with high smoke points, such as olive, canola, or vegetable oil, tend to be best for pan frying.^{[14]XResearch source}
2
Place the hake fillets in the skillet with the skin side down. 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]XResearch source}
- 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
Fry the skin side of the fillets for 3-4 minutes. 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]XResearch source}
- Hake is typically eaten with the skin on, similar to heartier fish like salmon or bass.
4
Turn the hake fillets over. 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]XResearch source}
- 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
Continue frying for 1-2 minutes, or until done. 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]XResearch source}
- 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
Serve pan-fried hake with other delectable dishes. 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]XResearch source}
- 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]XResearch source}

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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.
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Use a light touch with spices and seasonings to avoid overpowering the flavor of the fish.
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Hake can also be used in dishes that call for other tender white fish like cod, haddock, flounder, trout, or halibut.
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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.
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