13 Rockfish Recipes to Try at Home

If you’re in the mood for seafood, check out these 13 rockfish recipes.

While not as popular as other white fish like cod or snapper, rockfish is a delicious, healthy fish.

It has a mildly sweet, almost nutty flavor, and it is versatile. You can bake it, fry it, grill it, or add it to chowder. Either way, it’s flavorful and full of protein. 

It’s also an excellent source of potassium, vitamins A and C, and calcium. Furthermore, like most fish, it contains few carbs and very little cholesterol. 

Despite being lean and light (in flavor), it’s incredibly filling and satisfying. It’s almost like eating red meat in terms of heartiness. 

Now, without further ado, let’s jump right into these yummy rockfish recipes. 

1. Pan-Seared Rockfish

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to prepare rockfish, pan-searing is the way to go. It takes less than 15 minutes and gives the fish a gorgeous golden sear.

Cooked this way, the fish retains its moisture and locks in the zesty lemon flavor.

You’ll need fewer than 10 ingredients. Plus, you can substitute gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. 

Gluten-free or not, it’s buttery and herby. Plus, the capers in the sauce add a bold saltiness that enhances the fish’s natural flavor. 

Pair it with a side of rice and a Chardonnay or dry rosé for a full-flavored dinner option.

2. Darius’ Rockfish Chowder

This eight-ingredient chowder is buttery, hearty, and full of chunky goodness. It combines the rich umami flavor of rockfish with corn, potatoes, and onions.

The result is a filling dinner option with a full serving of both veggies and protein. Pair it with a leafy green salad or thick, dark bread for a complete meal.

3. Alaska Rockfish Tacos

Because it’s so tender and flaky, rockfish is an excellent fish for tacos. You can have them ready in half an hour, and the hands-on work is minimal.

Plus, the great thing about tacos is that you can tailor them to suit everyone’s tastes. Simply prepare the rockfish and toast the tortillas.

Then, lay them out with various toppings and garnishes so everyone can make their dream taco.

It’s one of the easiest ways to ensure you please everyone in the crowd.

4. Baked Rockfish With Lemon

Baking is usually one of the healthiest ways to cook your food.

Even though we know that, we sometimes avoid baking because it takes so much longer than frying.

That isn’t the case at all with baked rockfish with lemon. From start to finish, it takes only 30 minutes to prepare and bake this fish.

Since you’ll cook the fish whole, it looks fantastic – golden and juicy. It also smells and tastes just as amazing. 

You’ll season it with lemon juice, thyme, and paprika, giving it a bright, zesty flavor.

*Note: You can also cook rockfish filets using this recipe. Just adjust the baking time and temperature to accommodate the smaller cuts of fish.

5. Grilled Alaskan Rockfish

The rockfish is a relatively large fish. As such, it makes a gorgeous sight when cooked whole or in large filets. That’s especially true of grilled Alaskan rockfish. 

It’s large and thick, and the black grill lines across the golden fish look absolutely lovely.

Fortunately, it tastes as good as it looks, especially when paired with marinated, grilled shrimp.

6. Authentic Chinese Steamed Rockfish

You’ll only need five ingredients to prepare authentic Chinese steamed rockfish.

With whole rockfish, oil, green onions, ginger, and soy sauce, you’ll have it ready in 30 minutes.

It’s a simple, protein-rich meal with only two net carbs per serving. The soy sauce and ginger give it a distinctly Asian flair, and the presentation is lovely.

7. Panko-Crusted Oven-Fried Rockfish Filets

These hand-breaded rockfish filets feature a crispy exterior but are juicy and succulent inside.

It takes less than 20 minutes to prepare dinner for two. You can even use your air fryer if you prefer.

The ingredients are common kitchen staples. Additionally, the Old Bay seasoning gives the fish a delightful flavor.

Just remember that the breadcrumb coating ups the carb count on this one. Therefore, this recipe might not be the best option for low-carb diets.

8. Baked Rockfish With Cajun Tomato Relish

When it comes to cooking seafood, Cajun chefs know how to do it right.

That’s why baked rockfish with Cajun tomato relish is one of my favorite rockfish recipes.

It’s buttery, garlicky, tender, and flaky. And the Cajun tomato relish is mouth-wateringly delectable.

It’s so good, you’ll want to put it on practically everything. 

It looks like salsa or bruschetta. However, the Cajun-style seafood sauce gives it a spicy Creole flavor that makes it distinct.

The whole meal takes only half an hour to make, and your entire family will love it. 

9. Portuguese-Style Baked Rockfish

If you’re looking for a rockfish recipe that features plenty of fresh veggies, give this one a try.

It includes potatoes, onions, tomatoes, herbs, and parsley, along with the fish.

That may not seem like many vegetables, but this meal packs a wallop of a garden-fresh veggie taste.

Rockfish is a mild-flavored fish anyway, and it’s not overly fishy. 

However, if you want a seafood meal that doesn’t really taste like seafood, this is it.

10. Crispy Pan-Fried Rockfish

This is an excellent option if you’re in the mood for something a bit zestier. The Panko breadcrumbs give it a wonderfully crispy exterior. 

The parmesan, Dijon mustard, and garlic give it a tangy, earthy flavor.

It takes less than 20 minutes to make, and you’ll love how it crunches when you bite into it.

There’s a ton of flavor in every bite, and the fish is so tender, it practically falls apart.

11. Almond Flour Crusted Fried Rockfish Filets

Check out this recipe if you love a crunchy crust but don’t need all the carbs that usually come with it.

You’ll use almond flour, which gives the fish its crunchy exterior.

Luckily, almond flour is super low in carbs. So, even with the crust and tangy lemon cream sauce, it has only 2.7 net carbs.

This recipe might become a fast favorite if you’re on the keto diet. 

12. Fried Rockfish Bites

These are a great way to get your children to eat more fish. They look like – and even have the same texture as – chicken fingers.

And what kid doesn’t love chicken fingers?

Plus, they have a mild, light flavor. If you have the kiddos dip them in the flavorful aioli sauce, they might not even notice the difference.

13. Baked Rockfish Almondine

This six-ingredient, 30-minute dish is a favorite among rockfish lovers everywhere. It’s just so elegant and straightforward, and it tastes fantastic, too. 

Rockfish already tastes slightly nutty, so adding almonds enhances that natural nuttiness. The lemons and butter provide another layer of juicy flavor.

And asparagus is asparagus. It’s always great.

Serve this over a bed of rice or with a side of couscous for a complete meal.