In this world of inflation and sky-high food costs, I noticed that rockfish was cheaper than cod and salmon, so I thought I’d try it. It turned out to be delicious – white and flaky – and I searched for a good recipe to prepare it quickly. This Lemon Garlic Rockfish turned out yummy, and I’ve made the same recipe with tilapia and cod with perfect results. If you’re in the mood for good fish, but can’t afford (who can nowadays) the expensive varieties, you’ll make this rockfish over and over. Incidentally, rockfish is also known as Pacific Rockfish, Rock Cod, and Pacific Snapper.

This fish can be made, start to finish in less than 30 minutes. It goes well with rice pilaf or mashed potatoes and a green vegetable or green salad. Leftovers make a good protein to add to a main dish salad.

6 Servings

6 tablespoons olive oil
6 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons melted butter


1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon paprika

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 pounds white fish fillets, cut into 6 serving size pieces
2 tablespoons finely minced garlic

1/4 cup fresh parsley, for garnish

1. Preheat oven to 400°.
2. Mix the 6 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice and melted butter; place in a shallow bowl.
Mix the flour, salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and paprika on a large plate.
3. Heat the 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large cast-iron (or other heavy oven-safe) skillet.
4. Dip each of the fish pieces in the lemon juice mixture, then dredge with the flour mixture.
5. Quickly brown the fillets on each side (the fish will not be cooked through).
6. Mix the garlic into the lemon juice mixture and pour over the fish.
7. Bake 10-15 minutes or until the fish is just cooked through. Baking time will depend on how thick the fillets are.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 390 Calories from Fat 232
Percent Total Calories From:
Fat 59% Protein 28% Carb. 12%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 26 g
Saturated Fat 5 g
Cholesterol 73 mg
Sodium 518 mg
Total Carbohydrate 12 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 28 g

Vitamin A 12% Vitamin C 21% Calcium 0% Iron 7%