Meatless Monday: Papa’s Oven Fried Fish

My Papa believed that the way to everyone’s heart was through their stomach. When he passed away almost two years ago, an aunt of mine made copies of all his favorite recipes and distributed them to the family. On this edition of Meatless Monday, I share a popular dish from his collection.

Papa’s Oven Fried Fish

3, 10 to 12 ounce fresh or frozen pan-dressed bass (Chilean sea, black, striped, etc.) or halibut*
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup with fine bread crumbs
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper

Dip fish into beaten egg, then into bread crumbs. Place coated fish into a well-greased, shallow baking pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix butter and lemon juice together, and drizzle over fish. Bake at 500° until golden and fish flakes easily with a fork. Allow 5 to 6 minutes for each 1/2-inch of thickness.

Makes 3 to 4 servings.

Serve with homemade sweet potato fries or another side dish of your family’s liking.

*Any white, flaky and mild-flavored fish will work with the recipe (no tuna, swordfish or salmon) as long as it’s thick enough (flounder and sole fillets are usually too thin). You want the filets about 1/2″ to 3/4″. Your fishmonger can prepare the fish to the size you specify.