How to Bake Crispy Perch

Perch refers to a genus of freshwater fish ranging between 1 and 5 lbs. Perch meat is moist and firm with a rich taste. You can cook perch in a variety of ways, ranging from pan-fried to oven-baked. Baked perch works best with a flavorful, breaded coating. The breading creates a crispy exterior that surrounds the meat, providing an enticing crunch with each bite. You will need approximately 20 minutes to bake crispy perch.

A fresh fish fillet. (Image: tycoon751/iStock/Getty Images)

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2

Combine the breadcrumbs, paprika, ground black pepper and salt in a shallow bowl. Stir with a spoon to blend the ingredients. Mix the melted butter and lemon juice in a second shallow bowl.

Step 3

Submerge each perch fillet in the butter and lemon juice mixture and then roll them in the breadcrumb mixture.

Step 4

Place the breaded fillets into the baking pan and set into the oven. Bake the fillets for 15 minutes or until the breading is crispy and golden brown.

Step 5

Remove the perch fillets from the oven and allow them to cool for five minutes before serving.

Things You'll Need

• 2 cups panko bread crumbs

• 1 tbsp. paprika

• 1 tsp. ground black pepper

• 1/2 tsp. salt

• Two shallow bowls

• Spoon

• 3 tbsp. melted butter

• 1 tbsp. lemon juice

• Four 4-oz. perch fillets

• Baking pan

Tip

Refrigerate leftover perch fillets and consume within three days. If you prefer low-sodium meals, omit the salt and use unsalted butter.

ChooseMyPlate.gov recommends eating fish at least twice weekly to help prevent conditions such as heart disease.

Warning

To help prevent food-borne illness, do not consume fish until you check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. FoodSafety.gov recommends a temperature of at least 145 degrees F.