Simple Oven-Roasted Rockfish with Classic Lemon Gremolata
Fresh, beautiful seafood doesn't need to be complicated. This easy recipe lets the natural flavor of rockfish shine. A little olive oil, salt, and pepper are all you need before roasting. Finish with a bright, fresh lemon gremolata for a delicious, restaurant-quality meal at home.
Serves 4 | Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 10–14 minutes
Classic Lemon Gremolata
Gremolata is a traditional Italian finishing condiment made with fresh parsley, lemon zest, and garlic. It adds freshness, acidity, and aroma without overpowering the fish.
Ingredients
½ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
Zest of 1 large lemon
1 garlic clove, finely minced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
Directions
Combine the parsley, lemon zest, and garlic in a small bowl. Stir in the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add a little fresh lemon juice if desired. Allow the flavors to come together for 5–10 minutes.
The gremolata should be fresh, bright, and loose enough to spoon over the fish.
Oven-Roasted Rockfish
Ingredients
4 fresh rockfish fillets (6–8 oz each)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Fresh lemon gremolata
Directions
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Pat the rockfish fillets dry with paper towels.
Place the fish on a lightly oiled baking sheet or oven-safe dish, skin-side down if applicable.
Drizzle with olive oil and season simply with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Roast uncovered for approximately 10–14 minutes.
For a moist, tender finish, remove the fish when the internal temperature reaches 133–135°F. The fish will continue to cook slightly from residual heat after leaving the oven.
Transfer to warm plates and spoon fresh lemon gremolata over each fillet just before serving.
A Note About Cooking Times: Cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of your fillets. Thinner pieces cook faster, while thicker cuts may need a few extra minutes. An instant-read thermometer is the best way to check doneness.
Make It a Meal
Serve alongside roasted potatoes, sautéed broccolini, asparagus, or a simple white bean salad.
A Tip from Your Shoreline Fishmongers
Always add the gremolata after cooking. The warmth of the fish releases the wonderful aromas of lemon, parsley, and garlic while keeping everything fresh and vibrant.
This preparation is equally delicious with halibut, grouper, snapper, branzino, or salmon.
Great seafood. Simple preparation. Exceptional flavor.
Shoreline Seafood Market — Richmond, Virginia