How To Cook Baby Hake

Have you ever tasted baby hake? Known for its delicate, flaky texture and mild flavor, baby hake is a versatile fish that you can prepare in many ways. In this article, we will guide you through the process of cooking baby hake perfectly to bring out its flavor.

Buying Baby Hake

Before you learn how to cook baby hake, you need to know how to buy it. Here are some tips to help you:

• Choose fresh baby hake that smells like the ocean and has bright, clear eyes.
• Look for baby hake with firm flesh that bounces back when you press it.
• Buy as much baby hake as you need for your meal since it doesn't keep well.

Preparing Baby Hake

After buying baby hake, you need to prepare it properly to make it ready for cooking:

1. Remove the scales on the skin of the baby hake using a fish scaler or the back of a knife. Rinse the fish thoroughly under cold running water and pat it dry with paper towels.
2. Cut off the head and tail of the baby hake using a sharp knife.
3. Using the same knife, make a slit down the belly of the fish, and remove the fish guts. Rinse the fish again with cold water.
4. Pat the fish dry with a paper towel and set it aside.

Cooking Baby Hake

Now that you have prepared the baby hake, you can start cooking it:

Pan-Frying Baby Hake

Pan-frying is one of the easiest and quickest ways to cook baby hake:

1. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
2. Season the baby hake fillets with salt and pepper on both sides, and dredge them in flour. Shake off the excess flour.
3. Place the baby hake fillets in the skillet, skin side down, and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
4. Flip the baby hake fillets over and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
5. Remove the baby hake fillets from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.
6. Serve hot with a slice of lemon and your favorite side dish.

Baking Baby Hake

Baking is another excellent way to cook baby hake fillets. Here's how to do it:

1. Preheat your oven to 375F.
2. Place the baby hake fillets in a baking dish that has been greased with butter.
3. Season the fillets with salt, pepper, and any other spices you desire.
4. Add a tablespoon of butter on each fillet.
5. Bake the baby hake fillets for 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
6. Remove from the oven, and let the fillets rest for a few minutes before serving.

Conclusion

Cooking baby hake is a simple process that yields tasty results. Whether you pan-fry it or bake it, baby hake fillets are sure to be a hit. Remember to buy fresh baby hake, prepare it correctly, and season it according to your taste. With these tips in mind, you'll be a pro at cooking baby hake and impress your guests with your culinary skills.