Pan-Seared Hake Perfection

Pan-seared hake is a quick, simple, and tasty dish that can be ready in less than 15 minutes. Hake is a flaky, delicate white fish with a mild, slightly sweet flavour similar to cod. It is a versatile fish that can be baked, fried, or roasted and pairs well with a variety of sides and sauces.

To pan-sear hake, start by patting the fillets dry and dusting them with flour, salt, and pepper. Heat butter and oil in a heavy pan over medium heat, then place the hake fillets in the pan and cook for about 3 minutes without moving them. Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the fish is golden and opaque. Serve with your choice of sauce and sides.

Pan searing hake fillets: timing and technique

Pan-searing hake fillets: timing and technique

Hake is a flaky, delicate white fish with a mild taste similar to cod. It is a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal as it can be cooked in under 15 minutes.

Preparation

Before cooking, pat the fillets dry and lightly season them with salt and pepper. You can also dust the fillets with flour for a better sear. If you choose to do this, make sure to coat both sides of the fish thoroughly and shake off any excess.

Cooking

To cook the hake, heat a heavy pan with oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, place the fillets in the pan and cook for about 3 minutes without touching them.

To check if the fish is ready to flip, use a thin metal spatula to try and slide it under the fillet. If the fish releases from the pan, turn it over and add a small amount of butter on top of each fillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the fish is golden on both sides and opaque all the way through.

Serving

Hake is best served hot, straight off the stove. It goes well with a variety of sides, including potatoes, salads, and vegetables. For a simple sauce to accompany the fish, add lemon juice and herbs to the leftover butter in the pan and drizzle over the fillets before serving.

Making a lemon and caper sauce

To make a lemon and caper sauce to accompany your pan-seared hake, you will need the following ingredients:

• Butter
• Capers
• Lemon juice
• Herbs of your choice (fresh rosemary, chives, oregano, or parsley)
• Salt, to taste

You can also add garlic and lemon zest for extra flavour.

Begin by melting some butter in a small skillet or pan over low heat. Next, add the capers and cook until they are fragrant. If you are using garlic, add it at this stage. Return the skillet to the heat and add the lemon juice and herbs. Stir the sauce and remove from the heat. For a thicker sauce, you can add some cornstarch mixed with water.

Finally, drizzle the warm sauce over your pan-seared hake and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Hake taste and texture

Hake is a member of the cod and haddock family and is considered a sustainable white fish option. It is native to the waters near Ireland and has been consumed in Europe for many years. Hake is also gaining popularity in the US as a cheaper alternative to cod and haddock.

Hake has a delicate, mildly sweet taste with a tender, flaky texture. Its meat is relatively compact and coarse compared to cod or haddock, and it has a more pinkish hue than other white fish. Hake is versatile and can be prepared in a variety of ways, including grilling and baking. Its mild flavour profile makes it adaptable to various seasonings and sauces.

Hake's texture can be soft, and it has a high moisture-retaining ability. This characteristic makes it ideal for adding texture through cooking methods such as pan-searing or roasting. The fish's ability to retain moisture ensures it doesn't dry out during cooking, resulting in a tender and flaky texture.

Hake is a good choice for those who don't usually enjoy seafood due to its delicate taste and lack of an overpowering aroma. It is also a sustainable and affordable option, making it an excellent choice for a fine dining experience at a reasonable price.

Gluten-free alternatives

If you want to make this dish gluten-free, you can simply swap the flour for your favourite gluten-free all-purpose flour. Cup 4 Cup is a good gluten-free flour that works well. You can also skip the flour altogether, but the sear will be a little less brilliant.

To make gluten-free pan-seared hake:

• Pat the fillets dry and lightly dust them with gluten-free flour, salt, and pepper.
• Add oil and butter to a heavy pan and let the butter melt.
• Place the hake fillets in the pan and let them cook for about 3 minutes on medium heat.
• Don't try to move the fish around or flip it until you've tested it with a thin metal spatula. Try to slide the spatula under the fish. If the fish releases from the pan, it's ready to flip. If not, give it another 30 seconds or so.
• After flipping the fillets, top each one with a little butter, and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes.
• When the fish is golden on the surface and opaque all the way through, it's done!
• Move the fillets onto plates and cover them to keep warm while you make the sauce.
• For the sauce, add lemon juice and capers to the leftover butter in the pan. Let the sauce cook over medium heat while stirring. Add herbs of your choice and stir some more.
• Finally, drizzle the sauce over the fish and sprinkle with remaining herbs before serving.

Serve with a side of your choice. Some suggestions include a raw brussels sprouts salad, steamed broccoli, sautéed new potatoes, or Instant Pot black rice.

Suggested side dishes

There are many side dishes that go well with pan-seared hake. Here are some ideas:

• Steamed broccoli and sautéed new potatoes: This combination provides a contrast of textures and flavours that complement the delicate taste of the fish.
• Beetroot salad: Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan serves his hake recipe with this simple salad.
• Chorizo and chickpeas: This combination of flavours and textures is suggested by Geoffrey Smeddle for a heartier meal.
• Tomato salsa and new potatoes: A quick and easy option for a midweek dinner.
• Asparagus: A light and flavourful option, especially when drizzled with a thin, garlicky aioli.
• Raw Brussels sprouts salad and black rice: A nutritious and tasty option to accompany the fish.
• Spiralized potatoes: Crispy potato spirals are a perfect side dish to serve with fish.
• Olive salad: A Mediterranean-inspired salad that adds flavour and freshness to the meal.
• Yogurt dill sauce: A simple yogurt sauce is a great way to add some extra moisture and tanginess to the dish.
• Sautéed spinach with garlic: A healthy option that adds some greenery to the plate.
• Caramelised onions with balsamic vinegar: This side dish adds sweetness and depth of flavour to the meal.
• Parmentier potatoes: These crispy roasted cubes of potatoes are a tasty alternative to traditional chips.

These are just a few suggestions, but feel free to get creative and experiment with different side dishes to find your favourite combinations!

Frequently asked questions